Allen, Texas is a special city, full of pride and tradition. Growing up in Allen was truly a blessing for me. From figuring out the ins and outs of all of our local restaurants to experiencing being an Allen Eagle, I can honestly say that Allen made a mark on my heart. Here are 13 things people from Allen, Texas know to be true:

1. Football is more important than basically everything.

There is honestly nothing in this world like Allen Eagle football. If you went to Allen, you definitely have a soft-spot for high school football.

2. We take pride in being the first high school with a $60 million stadium.

$60 million is just a logical number, of course.

3. Going to Eagle Designs before a game was a must.

And half of your t-shirts have to do with winning state.

4. Being able to hear the marching band in the mornings or on game days, even when you live across town.

Especially during the March-A-Thon.

5. Three mascots are better than one.

We have Tuffy, Tuffette, and an inflatable Eagle named Big Boy. You could say our school spirit tops most.

6. Going to school with a higher population than most towns in Texas seems normal.

If you can survive the hallways of Allen High School, especially during Finals Week, you can survive anything.

7. You get surprised when you hear other schools don't have a Pizza Hut or Subway in their cafeterias.

We really are blessed to say we never had to experience "cafeteria food." Also, nothing topped Crispito Tuesdays.

8. Max's Donuts are the best donuts in the world.

Sure, you may think your donut shop is better, but you're wrong.

9. People come from all over the world to visit The Allen Premium Outlets.

Being one of the few outlet malls in Texas with high-end stores, The Allen Premium Outlets are an attraction for people all over the world. I can't even begin to tell you all the different types of people I met from all over while working here. You'd be surprised at how much traffic this mall attracts.

10. We have more Krogers than authentic Asian restaurants.

I really believe we may be one of the only cities in Texas with so many Krogers.

11. The town has grown right before our very eyes.

Remember when Allen was nothing more than a few schools, a few McDonald's, and the outlet mall? Now, Allen is the home to 3 shopping centers, a million McDonald's, and tons of elementary schools. Allen has more than doubled in population since 2000.

12. You always feel safe, no matter what time of day.

Although we are a fast growing city, we are one of the safest cities in Texas. There aren't many other places I would walk around at night and still feel as safe as I do in Allen.

13. We are all family.

No matter our skin color, no matter our religion, no matter our orientation, we are all a family. I've seen this town come together so many times. Whether it's for the tragic death of an Allen student or a family in need, our town stops what they're doing and comes together as one. There really is no family like the Allen Eagle family.