Tina Crisp

As an Allen resident for seven years and a Real Estate agent for over 11 years I have sold homes in both communities. The differences I see are the diversity of people and ammenities. Allen has an incredible school district. From the exceptional diversity of opportunity offered in high school to an outstanding athletic and academic programs. Allen tends to be a little more progressive in the diversity with the addition of Watters Creek with PF Chang, Crue, Market Street , Cheese Cake Factory, Victoria Secret, Gymboree to the Villages of Allen, the Allen Premium Outet. and the Proforming Arts Complex. The people of Allen tend to be Corporate relocations as well as families from many areas of the World.
Wylie has a great school district as well as the development of the McCreary area. The master planned developments and the new commercial developments that are beginning to spring up throughout the community make it a great place as well just not as progressive as Allen.
Home values in the newer areas of both will probably grow a little more rapidly in Allen as compared to Wylie. The quality of life is simpiler in Wylie with a more country feel to many parts of the community.
You will not go wrong in either community as both are very good places to raise a family. Allen is more progressive and Wylie is a more simple, country atmosphere. Go to greatschools.net and compare the schools you are considering, look at the test scores and ratings. Resale can many times be based on the education system. The second thing I recommend is go out to eat in both communiites or go to the local grocery store and meet your neighbors. These are the people you will be living amongst.
Good luck with your home search! - Tue May 13 2008, 13:43