Cranes along SH‑121 are hard to miss, and they are changing how you live, shop, and commute in Allen. If you are weighing a move here, it is normal to wonder how this growth could affect prices, daily travel, and future resale. In this guide, you will see what the Sam Rayburn Tollway corridor is bringing, what tradeoffs to expect, and how to shop smart near the action. Let’s dive in.
Why SH‑121 matters
SH‑121 in Allen runs along the Sam Rayburn Tollway, a major connector that links Collin County to key job centers and airports. The tollway’s frontage roads are often signed as SH‑121, which can be confusing if you are new to the area. You can review the route and role of the Sam Rayburn Tollway in North Texas for context on why proximity matters to buyers. Learn more about the Sam Rayburn Tollway’s alignment and operations and see a plain‑language overview of the corridor’s function in the region here.
Commute, tolls, and projects to watch
NTTA and TxDOT continue to improve and adjust nearby corridors, including technology lane changes on U.S.‑75 that influence where and when traffic flows. That can mean better long‑term mobility and some near‑term closures or delays during work windows. If you plan to use the tollway regularly, factor in monthly toll costs and compare them with free‑route alternatives. See current toll information and plan trips with NTTA’s resources here and read about U.S.‑75 technology lane updates here.
Key projects on SH‑121
The Farm at SH‑121 and Alma
The Farm is a 135‑acre mixed‑use district planned to include about 1.6 million square feet of office, roughly 142,000 square feet of retail, a hotel, restaurants, trails, and thousands of residential units over multiple phases. Early phases are already taking shape with entertainment and dining that boost evening and weekend activity. FarmWorks One, a 100 to 102 thousand square foot Class A office building, opened with meaningful early leasing, a sign that employers are committing to the corridor. Explore the project’s scope and updates in the developer’s press room here and see coverage of the office milestone from the Allen EDC here.
The district’s entertainment lineup has featured an open‑air venue called The HUB, and announcements of experiential operators that draw families and groups. These attractions increase daytime and evening foot traffic, which often supports nearby housing demand. You can follow additional tenant and event news in the project’s press updates here.
StarCreek and 121 retail nodes
Along the corridor, StarCreek presents active retail and entertainment uses with 121 frontage that serve nearby subdivisions and passing traffic. Leasing materials often highlight the visibility and access from the tollway. Review an example of current commercial positioning along 121 at StarCreek here.
Established anchors nearby
Watters Creek and Allen Premium Outlets already draw significant shoppers to the area. Recent investor activity at Watters Creek signals confidence in the long‑term health of this retail node. Read about the center’s ownership change in local coverage here.
What to watch next
Local discussions have included the possibility of larger resort or convention concepts near SH‑121 and Stacy Road. Big hospitality projects can shift visitor spending and jobs, but proposals can change. Track city and developer press pages for status updates and approvals. You can monitor area development news feeds like The Farm’s press page here.
Current housing signals
Public market snapshots through mid‑2025 show Allen has cooled from the 2020 to 2022 peak. Across sources, citywide values are roughly in the high 400s to low 500s, with median listing prices that can run higher and days on market longer than during the pandemic surge. The important takeaway is that results vary by neighborhood, with corridor‑adjacent pockets and walkable areas near new amenities often drawing stronger interest.
Early office leases and entertainment openings at The Farm add daytime population and customer traffic, which typically supports nearby rentals and for‑sale demand. The Allen EDC has highlighted tenant activity that points to growing employer presence in the district. See a sampling of tenant news that reflects this trend here.
How to shop near SH‑121
Clarify your commute math
- Map your likely daily routes and test both toll and non‑toll options during peak hours.
- Use NTTA tools to estimate monthly toll spend and weigh it against time saved.
- Ask about planned construction windows that could affect your nearest ramp or interchange. Check current tollway information here.
Evaluate micro‑market pricing
- Compare recent sales for your target pocket rather than relying on a single citywide average.
- Watch days on market and price adjustments for similar homes within a one‑mile radius.
- Confirm HOA rules, fees, and any upcoming community projects that may affect value or lifestyle.
Understand development timelines
- Identify which phase is active near the home and the expected buildout horizon.
- Expect changing traffic patterns and some construction noise as phases roll out.
- Verify details using city planning documents and developer press updates. You can monitor The Farm’s progress here.
Balance near‑term tradeoffs with long‑term upside
- Short term, you may see lane closures, detours, and busy weekends near entertainment hubs.
- Long term, added jobs and amenities tend to support stronger demand for homes with easy access.
- If you value walkability to dining and events, focus on streets close to mixed‑use nodes. If you prefer quiet, set a buffer from interchanges while keeping access convenient.
For sellers near the corridor
Growth along SH‑121 creates a clear story to tell buyers about convenience, entertainment, and future demand. Highlight proximity to The Farm, StarCreek, Watters Creek, and key interchanges. Strong presentation and video help buyers understand access and lifestyle quickly, especially for remote shoppers. If you are considering a sale, align timing with major openings or project milestones that add buzz in your micro‑market.
Bottom line
SH‑121 growth is reshaping daily life in Allen, from commute options to new places to meet friends after work. Expect some construction and congestion in the near term, with a likely payoff in long‑term amenity value and demand near the corridor. If you want a clear plan for neighborhoods, timelines, and resale potential, connect with a local advisor who tracks these projects week by week. For tailored guidance, reach out to Andrew Bradshaw.
FAQs
What is SH‑121 and why does it matter to Allen buyers?
- SH‑121 runs along the Sam Rayburn Tollway, which provides fast regional access to jobs, shopping, and airports, a factor that often supports long‑term resale potential for nearby homes.
How will The Farm influence home values near 121?
- As offices, restaurants, and entertainment open at The Farm, daytime and evening activity increases, which typically supports demand for nearby rentals and for‑sale homes over time.
Are toll costs worth it for a daily Allen commute?
- It depends on your route and schedule; many buyers find the time savings valuable, but you should estimate monthly tolls with NTTA’s tools and compare with non‑toll options.
Will construction along SH‑121 hurt resale if I buy now?
- Construction is temporary, so pricing usually reflects short‑term inconvenience; many buyers focus on long‑term access and amenities that persist after projects finish.
Which parts of Allen are closest to new SH‑121 amenities?
- Areas near Alma Drive, North Watters Road, and Stacy Road offer quick access to The Farm, StarCreek, and nearby retail, though exact convenience varies block by block.
Is a large resort or convention project confirmed near SH‑121?
- There has been local discussion of concepts near Stacy Road, but these projects are not guaranteed; monitor city and developer updates for approvals and timelines.
