NerdWallet praised Allen's low crime rate and high-quality education in its 2015 rankings. Allen was ranked #2 in Texas and earned the highest spot of cities in Dallas-Fort Worth. The Woodlands, located 30 miles north of Houston, was ranked #1.
The website ranked Texas cities based on crime data, school rankings, home ownership rates, commute times, unemployment rates and walk scores. Allen received the third-best education score on the list and featured one of the lowest crime rankings in the state. NerdWallet also noted its access to cultural activities, including a quilter's guild and local ballet.