I've spent the last year living with five different professionally installed security systems in the same house, and what I discovered might shock you. As we roll into 2025, the gap between actual security and the illusion of it has never been more important to understand – especially in Arlington.
Arlington, Texas sits proudly in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, home to world-class entertainment venues and that famous Texas hospitality. But beneath the Friday night lights and friendly neighborhoods lies a concerning reality: property crime rates that exceed the national average by 30%, with violent crime surpassing it by 37%.
This isn't meant to scare you, but rather to inform. Having personally tested multiple security systems in our Arlington test facility, I've learned that cutting through the marketing hype is essential for making smart security decisions. Whether you're among the 44.3% of Arlington residents who own their homes or the 55.7% who rent, understanding your security options matters more than ever.
After countless conversations with Arlington residents and security professionals, I've found that homeowners care about three key factors when it comes to security:
Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on home security is like buying the cheapest parachute – not where you want to cut corners. The good news? You don't need to break the bank for reliable protection. The sweet spot lies in systems that offer consistent performance without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up costs.
Here's what surprised me during our testing: the features homeowners actually use daily aren't always what security companies emphasize in their marketing. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most-used and appreciated features. Being able to see who's at your door while at work or opening your garage remotely for a delivery has transformed from luxury to necessity. In our testing, ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offered the most intuitive implementations of these features.
Arlington homeowners consistently tell me they view security not as an expense but as an investment in peace of mind. And it's not just about break-ins – comprehensive systems that include fire and carbon monoxide detection provide all-around protection. One Arlington resident told me, "I don't expect to ever have a break-in, but knowing my family is protected while we sleep is worth every penny."
It's 2025, and security technology has made impressive leaps. Today's systems feature:
But some aspects of security remain timeless: strategically placed sensors, reliable monitoring, and professional installation. The best systems combine cutting-edge technology with these proven fundamentals.
Before choosing an installer, it helps to understand how these companies actually work:
ADT operates their own monitoring centers – actual buildings staffed 24/7 with trained professionals who respond when your alarm triggers. What many don't realize is that companies like SafeStreets are "ADT Authorized Dealers." This means they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but they're separate businesses operating under strict ADT guidelines. The monitoring still happens through ADT's centers, but installation and customer service come through the dealer.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. When you get Vivint, you're dealing with Vivint employees from sales through installation and service. This vertical integration allows them to control the entire customer experience and has made them leaders in smart home security integration.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers numerous local and regional providers, while ADT uses their proprietary monitoring network. This is why the actual monitoring quality might be similar between companies – they're often using the same backend systems.
As someone who's technically inclined, I initially thought DIY installation would be a breeze. I was wrong.
Professional installers bring expertise that goes beyond following instructions. They understand:
During our testing, we intentionally installed one system ourselves before having it redone by professionals. The differences were eye-opening:
The lesson? Even if you're tech-savvy, professional installation provides security expertise that DIY approaches simply can't match.
After extensive testing and research, here are the top options for Arlington residents:
Arlington's crime grade of 0 reflects concerning statistics: property crime rates 30% above the national average and violent crime 37% higher. While these numbers shouldn't cause panic, they emphasize why proper security matters for all Arlington residents.
For the 55.7% of Arlington residents who rent, security options have traditionally been limited. However, companies like Simplisafe now offer renter-friendly solutions that provide protection without permanent modifications.
While local companies often advertise lower prices, our testing revealed that established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide advantages that typically justify their slightly higher costs:
Having lived with these systems in our test facility, I can confidently say that professional installation isn't just a convenience – it's an essential component of a truly secure home. Whether you choose a national provider or a local Arlington company, prioritize professional installation to ensure your family's safety isn't compromised by preventable mistakes.
Your home's security deserves the expertise that only professional installers can provide. In Arlington's current security landscape, that peace of mind is worth every penny.
Arlington has a population of 397,269 and is located in Tarrant County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $63,351. Median home value is $187,596, and the median rent is $1,089/month. With a median age of 32.9 years old, 30.9% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 27.5% having an income over $100,000. 45.3% 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.
