This community was established in 1870 and named for Ebenezer Allen, a former state attorney general. In 1880, outlaw Sam Bass is said to have committed his first Texas train robbery here. Today, Allen is a vibrant community growing rapidly because of the economic growth of nearby Dallas and its proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Local parks offer a variety of recreation opportunities. Bethany Lakes Park features a large stocked fishing pond, disc-golf course, natural amphitheater, picnic tables, trail and playground. Golfers can play 18 holes at the municipally owned Chase Oaks Golf Club.