The high quality of life in the suburbs surrounding Dallas-Ft. The Worth Metroplex makes buying or leasing a home in the region a particularly solid real estate option. Of the outlying communities, Allen, which is only a 30-minute drive north of Dallas, stands out for the wealth of community activities available to residents.

The city of 84,000 was named one of America’s Best Small Towns by “Money Magazine” in July 2010 for its local spirit, thriving economy, exceptional school system and excellence in local life offerings. From events to venues, Allen, Texas is, simply put, a great place to live.

Fireworks and music at “First to Fourth”

On the last Saturday in June, Allen residents got ahead of the rest of the DFW Metroplex to Independence Day with the “First to Fourth” Celebration, a festival of food and music, culminating in a massive fireworks display from 20 minutes at 10 pm The event, which began in 1995, is produced by the City of Allen and the Allen Parks Foundation and is held at the 106-acre Celebration Park. Regular attendance had now risen to 65,000. There is no entrance fee, but visitors pay for concessions and activities such as admission to the Kids Zone. (Please note that this is a family gathering, and alcohol is not permitted on the grounds.)

Multi-use development at Watters Creek

Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, a mixed-use development, covers 52 acres at the southwest corner of US 75 and Bethany Drive in Allen, Texas. Planned as a new “commercial heart” for Allen and the surrounding region, the design includes a large creekside green plaza, interactive public art exhibits, assorted and unique retail stores, and several restaurants with outdoor dining and water views. . (There are also residential lofts and office spaces.) Every Saturday morning, Watters Creek hosts a Farmer’s Market from 9 am to 2 pm offering fresh, organic produce in a relaxed, community setting.

Skating at the Allen Event Center

The Allen Event Center features a state-of-the-art, full-size ice skating arena measuring 85′ x 200′ with seating for over 300 spectators. Beginner to advanced classes are offered along with figure skating, specialty classes, and private lessons. There are recreational and competitive hockey leagues, as well as hockey instruction classes from beginner to advanced. Additional activities include skating shows, troop lessons, summer camps, and skating competitions. The venue is available for birthday parties, field trips, fundraisers, lock-ins, church functions, and a variety of other gatherings. (The Events Center also hosts concerts by groups like REO Speedwagon and artists like Reba McEntire, and special interest shows for collectors and enthusiasts of all stripes.)

Gold Class Cinema, Village at Fairview

Located in the Village at Fairview, Gold Class Cinemas offers Allen residents a movie night in luxurious first-class style that begins right in the lobby bar, which is outfitted with crushed velvet armchairs. The theater’s in-house chef offers a gourmet menu that includes Maine lobster and a selection of 30 wines by the glass (along with a variety of locally brewed beers). Snacks are available, as is candy in martini glasses and popcorn drizzled with real butter. . There are eight screens, each with space for 24-40 people. Seating is recliners with blankets, storage space for shopping bags or other personal items, and eight feet of legroom. With a free membership, the price of a ticket drops from $29 to $17.50.

Allen offers the best of both worlds

At the end of the day’s commute, there’s no need to leave the house to find a good meal, do some shopping, enjoy sports, or catch a show. Allen has a small town feel and big city amenities, including:

– 3,448 restaurants within a 15-mile radius,

– 38 cinemas at the same distance,

– 154 public golf courses within a 30-mile radius,

– 41 libraries within a 15 mile radius,

– and five nationally accredited museums within a 30-mile radius.

In 2011, the entire region will be abuzz with special activities surrounding the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium in nearby Arlington.

Without a doubt, the DFW region in North Texas is a good option to buy or rent a house. As the world’s 12th largest metropolitan economy, DFW weathered the recession well in 2010, with property values ​​largely intact. Sales of single-family homes in Texas increased for the third consecutive quarter, with sales from April to June 2010 up 14% over the same period in 2009.

Communities like Allen offer above average value in terms of quality of life because they bridge the gap between both worlds. Located within easy commuting distance of Dallas, Allen is a city you’ll want to come home to at the end of the day.