Whether you are shopping, attending a sporting event, hitting the links or chilling out with your family, Allen, Texas is easy to get to and even easier to explore. Here are some highlights.
In a state that often boasts about size, no town does big bigger than Allen. Allen is home to the state’s largest high school, and the school’s enormous 750-person marching band covers most of the home field at Eagle Stadium.
If you’ve ever seen Friday Night Lights, you’ll understand the pride that exists for the Allen Eagles. Having won three State Championship titles in a row from 2012-2014, the Eagles again secured the 6A Division 1 State Championship for the 2017-2018 season. Fans can enjoy watching their favorite team in the stadium that sits on 72 acres of land. The team nearly broke a record for most consecutive wins in 2015, having a 57-game streak before falling just short during the state semi-final game. Allen lives and breathes football, and residents are proud to live in a city that has such a highly reputable team.
From concerts to corporate meetings, tradeshows to talent shows, sports events, fundraisers, banquets and more, the state-of-the-art Allen Event Center features seating for 7,000, over 47,000 feet of exhibit space and cut-down scalability for smaller audiences. Conveniently located off US 75 just north of Dallas, Allen Event Center is within walking distance of hotels, restaurants and premiere shopping. And the parking garage is always FREE.
alleneventcenter.com
Watters Creek, the hub of Allen’s ever-growing community, is the go-to destination to shop, dine, enjoy entertainment, and partake in community festivities—in a naturally inspired resort-style center. See pages 43 to 51 for more about this scenic and diverse destination.
WattersCreek.com
The Americans, the San Jose Sharks’ Eastern Central Hockey League affiliate, play hard and deliver championship action on ice at home at Allen Event Center.
Allen Event Center*
972.912.1000
AllenAmericans.com
The Courses at Watters Creek features 33 holes on multiple courses designed for players of all abilities. While the 18-hole course still appeals to traditional golfers, the lighted driving range, family-friendly six-hole course, fun, quick nine-hole course and special programming are perfect for golfers on a tight schedule. Located conveniently at US 75 and Legacy on the Plano/Allen border, this is one of the region’s premier courses.
7201 Chase Oaks Boulevard
214.509.GOLF (4653)
WattersCreekGolf.com
With a full, state-of-the-art cable system, two beginner systems, a pro shop and shaded beach areas, Hydrous Wakepark is the best cable wakeboarding facility to get your shred on. Hydrous features UNIT rails and kickers imported from Germany.
Allen Station Park
580 N. Cedar Drive
214.390.3088
HydrousWakeParks.com
The Natatorium has splashy indoor entertainment with over 13,000 sq. ft. of aquatic fun, including a flume slide and lazy river.
110 E. Rivercrest Boulevard
214.509.4770
AllenParks.org
The full-size ice surface attached to Allen Event Center offers various programs and open skate times.
200 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 1350
972.912.1097
AllenParks.org
One of Allen’s favorite community parks, Bethany Lakes Park, includes four ponds, a fishing pier, picnic tables, playgrounds, a clubhouse and covered pavilion. The park also offers a nine-hole, disc golf course, is home to Allen Veterans Memorial and connects with the Mustang Creek Trail for hiking and biking fun.
745 S. Allen Heights Drive
AllenParks.org
Allen is the proud home of the Connemara Conservancy. The Conservancy is open to the public for scheduled nature walks and programs throughout the year.
Across the street from 300 Tatum Road
214.351.0990
ConnemaraConservancy.org
The Edge is an extreme sports park featuring a concrete skate park, two roller-hockey rinks, a BMX track and visitor center. The skate park is one of the largest outdoor facilities of its kind in Texas, and best of all, use of the park is free.
Allen Station Park
201 E. St. Mary Drive
214.509.4760
AllenParks.org
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Last year, Money Magazine rated Allen the second-best place to live in America. Good Life Family reveals some of the reasons why.
By Erin O’Connell and Tricia White
The City of Allen has only been an established town for 65 years, but its history dates back to the 1800’s. What was once a town full of rich railroad heritage and only 400 residents in the early 1950’s now ranks in second place on MONEY’s 2017 Best Places to Live in America list.
With nearly 98,000 community members, Allen is only expected to grow into an even larger and more prosperous city.
There is an abundance of things to do within the city, from the prestigious Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm to attending an Eagle’s game at the famous Allen Eagles’ Stadium. There are so many events to choose from each and every weekend and the close to 1,200 acres of park grounds allow for hours of endless outdoor fun.
The school system is also a big draw; the district has been ranked as one of the best in the state of Texas, and Allen students routinely outperform the state averages in both reading and math.
Allen is bursting with excitement and adventure, and there is truly something for everyone. Whether you just plan to visit, or if you’ve been consider making the move to Collin County, Allen is the place to be.
Q AND A Stephen Terrell | Mayor of allen
Q: Last year, Money Magazine rated Allen the second-best place to live in America. Why?
A: I think it’s a combination of big-city amenities and small-town feel. You don’t have to drive more than a few miles to enjoy more than 200 restaurants, unique shopping destinations, award-winning parks and trails, performances from local theatre, ballet and orchestra groups and more. At Allen Event Center you can root for our Allen Americans hockey team or see favorite musical acts like Meghan Trainor or Steve Miller Band. With just one high school, the community roots for our hometown Allen Eagles every Friday night during football season and supports our other athletes, artists and scholars year-round. With both US 75 and SH 121 running through our city, we have easy access to amenities and employers all over the metroplex. But if you talk to our residents, most will tell you they find all they need in Allen!
Q: What do Allen residents have to look forward to?
We are most excited about development along one of our main highway corridors, State Highway 121, which anticipates the presence of major headquarters or corporate hubs. More than office parks, these “mini cities” will feature urban shopping, dining and living options connected by trails, parks and open spaces. As our population grows, we are also expanding our city amenities to include a new recreation center, fire station, library expansion, police training center, parks, trails and roadways in the coming years.