Relocation Guide

Moving to Allen, Texas

Cost of living, commute times, healthcare, schools, and everything else you need for a smart relocation to Allen — one of Texas's most livable cities.

State Income Tax

$550K

Median Home Price

25 min

To Downtown Dallas

Safest City in TX

Why People Move to Allen, Texas

Allen, Texas isn't the kind of place that makes national headlines the way Austin or Dallas might. It doesn't have the cultural cachet of a major city or the tech-bro mystique of the hill country. What Allen has is harder to describe on paper. The schools are strong, the crime rate is low, and the city government actually manages its money well. And the housing — at least relative to coastal markets — is extraordinarily good value.

People who move to Allen tend to stay. Long-term resident rates are high compared to comparable suburbs, and the city's quality-of-life indicators have been consistent for over two decades. That stability is its own form of luxury: in a world where neighborhoods can change dramatically in a short period, Allen is refreshingly predictable in the best way.

Cost of Living in Allen, TX

Allen's cost of living runs approximately 5-10% above the national average, driven primarily by housing costs. Every other major category — utilities, groceries, healthcare, transportation — hovers near or below national averages. The most significant financial advantage for relocating professionals, however, is something that doesn't show up in cost-of-living calculators: Texas has no state income tax.

Cost of Living — Allen TX vs Other Markets

No Texas state income tax (vs. 5–13% in CA, NY, IL)

Median home ~$550K vs $1.2M+ in comparable CA suburbs

Average electricity bill: ~$130–$180/mo (higher in summer)

Groceries: slightly below national average

Healthcare: competitive, strong access to providers

Property taxes in Allen run approximately 2.0–2.2% of assessed value — higher than many states on a percentage basis, but offset significantly by the absence of state income tax. For a household earning $200,000/year, the Texas tax advantage versus California or New York can easily exceed $15,000–$25,000 annually.

Jobs and the Local Economy

Allen sits at the northern edge of one of America's most dynamic job markets. The DFW metroplex has been among the top destinations for corporate relocations for over a decade, with dozens of Fortune 500 companies headquartered or maintaining major operations in the area.

The Telecom Corridor — running through Richardson, Plano, and the southern edges of Allen — houses Texas Instruments, Ericsson, Cisco, Samsung Semiconductor, Fujitsu, and dozens of other technology companies. Toyota North America's US headquarters is in nearby Plano. Capital One's regional hub is in Plano. Frito-Lay (PepsiCo) has a major campus nearby.

For remote workers — an increasingly large segment of Allen's population — the city offers excellent infrastructure, strong fiber internet availability, and plenty of co-working spaces and coffee shops suitable for work. Many remote workers who moved to Allen during the pandemic-era work-from-home shift have since stayed, drawn by the quality of life and value relative to coastal markets.

Getting Around Allen

Typical Drive Times from Allen, TX

Downtown Dallas: 30–40 min (off-peak) / 50–70 min (peak)

Plano Legacy/Telecom Corridor: 15–20 min

Frisco: 15–20 min via SH-121

McKinney: 15–20 min

DFW Airport: 30–40 min

Dallas Love Field: 40–50 min

Allen's Climate

Summer (June–September): Hot and often humid, with temperatures regularly reaching 95–105°F. Air conditioning is non-negotiable.

Fall (October–November): One of the most pleasant seasons — 60s–70s, low humidity, beautiful skies. Football season at its peak.

Winter (December–February): Generally mild in the 40s–60s with occasional cold snaps. Snow is rare. The 2021 winter storm was an outlier event; Allen has since benefited from upgraded infrastructure investments across the region, with improved power grid resilience and better emergency preparedness.

Spring (March–May): Beautiful but includes severe weather season. Thunderstorms, hail, and tornado watches are part of North Texas spring life.

Healthcare in Allen

Access to quality healthcare has improved dramatically in Collin County over the past decade. Texas Health Presbyterian Allen provides hospital-level care, while numerous urgent care clinics, specialty practices, and medical campuses serve the broader community. For major procedures, Baylor Scott & White McKinney and Texas Health Presbyterian Plano are both within 15–20 minutes.

Parks & Recreation

Allen's parks system covers more than 1,000 acres across dozens of parks and trail corridors. Celebration Park serves as the crown jewel — a large multi-sport complex with athletic fields, playgrounds, and event facilities. The Allen Community Ice Rink, Molsen Farm Park, and the extensive trail network along Cottonwood Creek provide residents with abundant outdoor options.

FAQs

Moving to Allen — Common Questions

What is the cost of living in Allen, TX?+

Allen's cost of living is roughly 5–10% above the national average but significantly lower than comparable suburbs in coastal metros. Housing is the primary cost driver. Texas has no state income tax, which puts a lot more money in your pocket if you're relocating from California, New York, or Illinois.

What are property taxes in Allen, TX?+

Combined property tax rates (city, county, school district) typically run approximately 2.0–2.2% of assessed value. On a $600K home, expect roughly $12,000–$13,200 in annual property taxes. Texas's homestead exemption reduces taxable value of your primary residence.

How far is Allen from Dallas?+

Allen is approximately 25 miles north of downtown Dallas via US-75. Under normal conditions the commute takes 25–35 minutes. During peak rush hours expect 45–60 minutes southbound. Many Allen residents work in Plano or along the Telecom Corridor — those commutes are typically 15–25 minutes.

Is Allen a good place to raise a family?+

Allen consistently ranks among Texas's best cities for families. Allen ISD is one of the top school districts in the state, the city has some of the lowest crime rates in Texas, parks and recreational facilities are excellent, and the community actively invests in family programming.

What is the job market like near Allen?+

Allen sits adjacent to the Telecom Corridor — one of the densest concentrations of technology and corporate employers in the US. Major employers within 20–30 minutes include Texas Instruments, Samsung, Ericsson, Cisco, Frito-Lay, Toyota North America, and Capital One.

What are Allen's zip codes?+

Allen, TX has two primary zip codes: 75002 (north and central Allen) and 75013 (south Allen, including areas near US-75). Both are served by Allen ISD and share the same city services and community character. When searching for homes, make sure to filter by Allen city limits rather than zip code alone, as both codes extend into neighboring communities.

Does Allen, TX have good healthcare facilities?+

Allen has several urgent care and specialty medical facilities within the city. For major hospital systems, residents have easy access to Texas Health Presbyterian Allen (within the city), with Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — McKinney and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano both within 15–20 minutes. The broader Collin County area has seen significant healthcare infrastructure investment in recent years.

How is traffic in Allen, TX?+

Traffic in Allen itself is generally manageable. US-75 is the primary north-south artery and experiences significant congestion during peak hours between Allen and downtown Dallas/Plano. SH-121 runs east-west and provides access to Frisco, McKinney, and DFW Airport. For buyers who work locally in Allen or the immediate north Plano/McKinney area, traffic is rarely a significant issue. The US-75 corridor is the main pain point for those commuting south.