Have you ever wondered if that fancy security system you're considering will actually protect your home when it matters most? Or if the local installer you're eyeing can really deliver what they promise?
Amarillo, with its stunning Palo Duro Canyon and vibrant cultural scene, offers residents a unique quality of life in the Texas Panhandle. But behind the friendly community atmosphere lies a concerning reality: property crime rates 88% higher than the national average and violent crime rates a staggering 116% above the norm.
After spending the last year testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house (yes, our neighbors think we're paranoid), I've learned what actually works versus what's just marketing hype. Let me cut through the noise and share what really matters when securing your Amarillo home in 2025.
When I talk to homeowners about security, they often focus initially on price. But after a break-in? Their priorities shift dramatically to reliability. The sweet spot is finding a system that balances cost with dependability.
In our testing, we found that while budget systems might save you a few hundred dollars upfront, the peace of mind from knowing your system will actually work when needed is priceless. The difference between a $20 motion sensor and a $40 one becomes irrelevant when your family's safety is on the line.
Here's something surprising from our testing: the security features homeowners use most aren't the ones that stop burglars—they're the ones that make daily life easier.
Video doorbells have become absolutely essential. Being able to see who's at your door, whether you're in the kitchen or across the country, isn't just convenient—it's transformative. Similarly, integrated garage door control has become a must-have. No more turning around ten minutes into your commute because you can't remember if you closed the garage.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have perfected these integrations in ways that simply work better than the competition.
Security isn't just about stopping break-ins—it's about comprehensive protection. Modern systems now integrate smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leak detection. During our testing, the fire safety features actually proved more valuable than intrusion detection, alerting us to a potential issue before it became dangerous.
The most reasonable approach isn't going overboard with every possible sensor, but strategically covering your home's vulnerabilities with quality components professionally installed.
Security technology has evolved dramatically, but some principles remain constant. In 2025, we're seeing:
However, the fundamentals haven't changed: proper sensor placement, quality equipment, and professional monitoring still form the backbone of effective security.
The most impressive advancement is how intuitive these systems have become. My 70-year-old mother can now operate her security system entirely through voice commands—something unimaginable just a few years ago.
ADT operates through a network of six redundant monitoring centers across the US. This means if one center goes offline due to a natural disaster, others seamlessly take over. Their model focuses on consistency and reliability—the same experience whether you're in Amarillo or Albany.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment but operate as an independent business. They must meet ADT's standards and requirements, and your monitoring contract is ultimately with ADT itself. This relationship gives you local service with national backing.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their own equipment, giving them end-to-end control over the customer experience. Their focus on smart home integration makes them particularly appealing to tech-savvy homeowners who want their security system to be the hub of their connected home.
Many local Amarillo security companies actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands. The monitoring service you're paying for might be coming from the same central station regardless of which local company you choose.
Alarm.com serves as the technology platform behind many local dealers' offerings, providing the software that powers their systems. Similarly, ADT's monitoring infrastructure is used by numerous local companies who white-label the service.
After installing both DIY and professional systems in our test home, I can confidently say: professional installation is worth every penny, even if you're technically inclined.
Professional installers know things most homeowners don't:
One professional installer showed me how a seemingly well-placed DIY motion sensor I'd installed actually left a six-foot "dead zone" an intruder could easily exploit.
The most frequent DIY errors we've observed include:
When it comes to your family's safety, the expertise of a professional installer isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
With property crime 88% above the national average and violent crime 116% higher, Amarillo earns a concerning crime grade of 0. These statistics make home security not just a convenience but a necessity for both homeowners and the 59.1% of residents who rent.
Most concerning is the rate of property crimes, which affect 1 in 23 residents annually. A professional security system with proper installation serves as both a deterrent and a response mechanism when incidents occur.
After a year of testing different systems, here's my honest take: while local companies may offer competitive pricing, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide superior peace of mind for most homeowners.
The slightly higher cost pays dividends in reliability, cutting-edge technology, and the knowledge that your system is backed by companies with decades of experience and financial stability.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance or cut corners with DIY installation. In a city with Amarillo's crime statistics, professional installation isn't just a preference—it's a necessity. Your home deserves nothing less than expert protection installed by professionals who understand the unique security challenges of the Texas Panhandle.
Amarillo has a population of 202,902 and is located in Potter County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $52,941. Median home value is $136,896, and the median rent is $876/month. With a median age of 34.1 years old, 23.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 21.2% having an income over $100,000. 50.4% of households are married.
According to the 2020 Decennial Census, the racial breakdown was as follows:
Home security is more than just cameras that capture bad actors committing crimes. Smart home features such as automated lighting are underrated features that can prevent thefts before they happen.
Professional monitoring is a must, and the choice generally comes down to a balance between the latest technology, overall price, and the service you receive for installation and on-going maintenance.
Our pick for the best home security system is ADT, with its exceptional reputation for customer satisfaction and professional installation, followed closely by Vivint which while slightly more expensive, has the most advanced security technology for your home.
SimpliSafe is our home security system recommendation for renters with its great balance of features and value, while offering minimal installation effort and reasonably priced professional monitoring.
