The 2026 Relocation Guide
Moving to Allen, TX
Allen is a family-friendly city consistently ranked among the safest in Texas. Anchored by the top-ranked Allen ISD and the Allen Premium Outlets, it strikes a perfect balance between suburban comfort and modern amenities — an ideal landing spot for families relocating to DFW.
~115,000
Population
~$130,000
Median HH Income
~$495,000
Median Home
Collin Co.
County
9/10
Allen ISD
The Short Version
Why People Move to Allen
- Allen ISD — GreatSchools 9/10 — one high school, one town: the Allen Eagles
- Eagle Stadium — the famed 18,000-seat high-school showpiece
- Watters Creek & The Farm — walkable dining on greenbelts
- ~$130K median incomes with sub-$500K median home values
- US-75 + Sam Rayburn Tollway put every DFW hub in reach
Getting Around
Commutes & Highways
- 15–20 minutes to Legacy West / The Star via Sam Rayburn Tollway
- 30–35 minutes to downtown Dallas via US-75
- ~35 minutes to DFW Airport via Sam Rayburn Tollway
- DART Red Line park-and-ride at Parker Rd, 10–15 minutes south
Moving from Out of State?
What Your Money Buys in Allen
The estimated median home value in Allen is ~$495,000. Here's how that compares to the metros our relocating buyers most often arrive from — and Texas has no state income tax.
San Jose / Silicon Valley
CA income tax up to 13.3%
$1.5M median
≈3.0× Allen's median
San Francisco
CA income tax up to 13.3%
$1.2M median
≈2.4× Allen's median
Los Angeles
CA income tax up to 13.3%
$1.0M median
≈2.0× Allen's median
Seattle
WA — no income tax
$850K median
≈1.7× Allen's median
New York City
NY income tax up to 10.9%
$800K median
≈1.6× Allen's median
Austin
TX — no income tax
$550K median
Approximate metro median sale prices, mid-2026. Live Allen market data from NTREIS MLS above.
The Real Monthly Number
Owning the Median Allen Home
Texas trades income tax for higher property tax — around 2.0% effective in Collin County. Budget with the full picture:
Estimate on the ~$495,000 median — not a quote. Homestead exemptions lower the tax bill for primary residences; HOA dues vary by community.
Where to Live
Allen Communities Relocating Buyers Shortlist
Twin Creeks
Allen's established country-club community
$420K–$900KStarcreek
Allen's master-planned community near SH-121
$400K–$700KWatters Crossing
Allen's established community near Watters Creek
$370K–$620KMontgomery Farm Estates
Upscale Allen community adjacent to the Watters Creek lifestyle center
$480K–$850KCottonwood Bend
Allen's mature master-planned community with lush landscaping
$380K–$650KCumberland Crossing
Allen's established luxury neighborhood with mature trees
$600K–$1.3M+Outdoors
Parks & Trails
- •Celebration Park — signature playground
- •Allen Station Park
- •Bethany Lakes Park
- •Spirit Park
- •Cottonwood Creek & Watters Creek trail greenbelts
- •Molsen Farm
With Kids
Family Life in Allen
- •Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium indoor waterslides
- •Hydrous Wake Park cable wakeboarding
- •The Edge skate park & Ford Pool
- •Topgolf Allen
- •Allen Americans hockey nights at CUTX Event Center
- •Allen Public Library ALLen Reads programs
Step by Step
The Out-of-State Relocation Checklist
- 1
Take a scouting trip
Two days is enough: drive the neighborhoods at commute hour, walk the downtown, and visit a school pickup line. Maps lie about feel.
- 2
Get pre-approved with a Texas-savvy lender
Texas escrows are dominated by property tax, not income tax — make sure your payment estimate includes the county's ~2%+ effective rate so the number doesn't move later.
- 3
Pick your school attendance zones first
District boundaries — and campus assignments within a district — drive DFW resale values. Verify the exact address, not the city.
- 4
Shortlist 2–3 communities
Master-planned communities differ more in HOA, amenities, and builder mix than in the homes themselves. Tour the amenity center, not just the model.
- 5
Write the offer with local norms
Texas uses an option period (a paid few days for inspections) and title policy customs that surprise out-of-state buyers. A local agent handles both.
- 6
Inspect for Texas-specific items
Foundation movement (clay soil), roof hail history, and HVAC age matter more here than what you inspected for on the coasts.
- 7
Close and file your homestead exemption
It caps assessed-value growth at 10%/year and cuts the tax bill on your primary residence — file with the county appraisal district after closing; it's free.
- 8
Settle in
Texas gives you 90 days for a driver's license and 30 for vehicle registration. Utilities are competitive-choice in most of DFW — shop the rate, don't default.
Common Questions
Moving to Allen FAQ
Is Allen, TX a good place to move to?
Allen is a family-friendly city consistently ranked among the safest in Texas. Anchored by the top-ranked Allen ISD and the Allen Premium Outlets, it strikes a perfect balance between suburban comfort and modern amenities — an ideal landing spot for families relocating to DFW. Top reasons buyers choose it: Allen ISD — GreatSchools 9/10 — one high school, one town: the Allen Eagles; Eagle Stadium — the famed 18,000-seat high-school showpiece; Watters Creek & The Farm — walkable dining on greenbelts.
How much does it cost to live in Allen?
The estimated median home value is ~$495,000 with a median household income of ~$130,000. Texas has no state income tax; budget for a ~2% effective property tax instead (a homestead exemption reduces it on your primary residence).
What are the best neighborhoods in Allen?
Popular communities include Twin Creeks, Starcreek, Watters Crossing, Montgomery Farm Estates — each has its own page with live listings, price ranges, and amenities.
What is the commute like from Allen?
15–20 minutes to Legacy West / The Star via Sam Rayburn Tollway; 30–35 minutes to downtown Dallas via US-75; ~35 minutes to DFW Airport via Sam Rayburn Tollway.
What school district serves Allen?
Allen ISD (GreatSchools 9/10). Verify the exact address before you buy — boundaries matter more than city limits.
Relocating to Allen?
I work with out-of-state buyers every week — video tours, school-zone guidance, and a lender bench that understands relocation timelines. The first call is free.