Your guide to Allen: Things to do, restaurants, parks and more

Allen was for many years just a small railroad town north of Dallas. That hasn’t been true for a while now.

The northern suburb of Dallas has grown into a large, diverse community that CNBC once called one of the most desirable suburbs in America. With a premier shopping destination, a high-performing school district and a variety of dining and recreation options, there’s a lot to like about Allen.

Here’s your guide to Allen:

For ages 18-24 (roughly 10.7% of the population)

For ages 25+ (roughly 68.2%)

41,663 units; 40,163 occupied (96.4%)

Median home value: $523,100
Median rent: $2,046

Compiled by staff researcher Rachel Friend. Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Tables S0601, S1501, S1903, S2301, DP04.

Allen was established in 1872 by an agent of the Houston and Texas Central Railway, according to the Texas State Historical Association. The town, named after former Texas attorney general Ebenezer Allen, got a post office in 1876.

The first train robbery in Texas, led by infamous outlaw Sam Bass, happened in Allen in 1878, according to TSHA. Population growth was slow for many decades, and it was well under 1,000 when it officially incorporated in 1953.

One notable development was the completion of the Central Expressway through Allen in 1960, according to the Allen Heritage Guild. That helped the population boom in the 1970s and beyond, growing from less than 2,000 residents in 1970 to more than 40,000 by 2000, according to the Texas Almanac. 

Today, the city is home to more than 110,000 people. Much of that growth was driven by the wider expansion of the D-FW area, but Allen has developed into a significant suburban community with a notable presence in North Texas, especially in the retail and shopping space.

Allen Premium Outlets: This shopping center is a major retail destination for Dallas’ northern suburbs. It opened in 2000 and is now home to more than 120 outlet stores for various major brands. The mall was rocked in 2023 by a mass shooting that left eight people dead and seven others injured.

Eagle Stadium: This 18,000-seat stadium is home to the Allen Eagles high school football team. It opened in 2012 and cost around $60 million to build. Allen won its first 54 games played at the venue, not losing until 2021.

Here’s a look at some notable parks and trails in Allen:

Its football team, the Allen Eagles, is one of the top programs in Texas and plays at the 18,000-seat Eagle Stadium. The Eagles have won five state championships since 2008, including three consecutively from 2012-14 with Heisman Trophy winner and two-time NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray leading the team.