
Allen is a vibrant suburban city located about 22 miles north of Dallas in Collin County. Originally established in 1870 as a watering stop for the Houston and Texas Central Railway, it was named in 1872 after Ebenezer Allen, a former Texas attorney general and railroad promoter . The city’s early history is steeped in Old West lore, including the state’s first train robbery, allegedly staged by the outlaw Sam Bass in 1878 at the Allen Depot near the historic Old Stone Dam (built in 1874). By the late 19th century, the community had grown to about 350 residents with churches, a school, chair factory, and flour mill. Growth slowed mid-20th century, but surged again in the 1970s and 80s due to expansion of the Dallas metro area and proximity to the new DFW International Airport, skyrocketing from under 2,000 in 1970 to over 8,000 by 1980
Today, Allen is home to over 108,000 people with a diverse and educated population—approximately 55% White, 20% Asian, and 11% Black or African American—with a median household income of about $129,000 . The city offers exceptional quality of life, backed by award-winning schools in Allen Independent School District, modern recreational amenities like the 37,915 sq ft Edge Skate Park, multiple recreation centers, and over 60 parks totaling more than 1,188 acres.
Allen’s community spirit shines brightest during its annual Allen USA Celebration held the last Saturday in June—complete with live music, food trucks, sports drills, car shows, bounce houses, and one of the largest fireworks displays in Texas, drawing nearly 100,000 attendees . The city also boasts Eagle Stadium, a $60 million high school football venue with an 18,000-seat capacity and a powerhouse team known for multiple state championships 1.
In summary, Allen blends rich frontier roots and railroad heritage with modern growth, diversity, top-tier schools, abundant green spaces, and lively community events. It’s a place where #HometownPride meets #ModernLiving, and #AllenTexas continues to flourish.
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