Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I did, which is why I spent the last year testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Atlantic City's iconic boardwalk and vibrant entertainment scene make it a unique place to call home. The ocean views and beach access create a lifestyle that many residents cherish. But behind the tourist attractions and oceanfront charm lies a reality that homeowners can't ignore.
The truth is, Atlantic City faces significant security challenges. With property crime rates 38% higher than the national average and violent crime a staggering 112% above the norm, home security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. The city's crime grade of 0 (yes, zero) speaks volumes about the importance of protecting your property.
After having five different security systems professionally installed in our test home, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight facts about what works, what doesn't, and who you can trust with your family's safety in 2025.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. But that doesn't mean you need to break the bank either. What matters most is the relationship between what you pay and what you get.
During our testing, we found systems ranging from $199 to over $1,000 for initial equipment, with monthly monitoring from $20 to $60. The sweet spot? Systems in the $500-700 range with $40-50 monthly monitoring typically offered the best balance of features, reliability, and service.
Here's something the security companies don't always emphasize: the features you'll use daily aren't always the core security components. In our year-long test, we found that video doorbells and garage control were by far the most frequently used features.
Being able to see who's at your door while at work, or double-checking that you closed the garage after leaving—these conveniences quickly become indispensable. Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these areas, with intuitive interfaces that even my technology-averse mother-in-law mastered within days.
A security system is ultimately an investment in peace of mind. This includes not just intrusion protection but comprehensive safety. Modern systems now integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak sensors, and even medical alert capabilities.
When you consider that the average home burglary results in $2,800 in property loss (not counting the emotional impact), a quality security system starts to look like a bargain.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing:
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
ADT operates through a network of six monitoring centers across the US, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. They employ thousands of monitoring professionals who respond to alarms 24/7.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer—essentially a franchise that sells and installs ADT equipment while adhering to ADT's standards. The monitoring service comes directly from ADT, but the installation and customer service are handled by SafeStreets.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. When you buy from Vivint, you're dealing with the company itself—not a dealer. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their own equipment, giving them tighter control over the customer experience and technology integration.
Here's something most security companies won't tell you: many local dealers use the same central monitoring stations. Alarm.com provides the backend technology for numerous security providers nationwide, while ADT's monitoring infrastructure serves countless local companies.
This means the actual alarm response might be identical between a national brand and a local installer—the differences often lie in equipment quality, installation expertise, and customer service.
After watching five professional installations of our test systems, I can confidently say that professional installation is worth every penny, even for tech-savvy homeowners.
Professional installers know things that aren't in any manual:
The most frequent DIY installation mistakes we've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners.
With property crime 38% above the national average and violent crime a shocking 112% higher, Atlantic City residents face real security challenges. This affects not just the homeowners but also the 28.2% of residents who rent.
A quality security system can reduce your chance of burglary by up to 300% according to industry studies. More importantly, it provides peace of mind that's difficult to quantify but impossible to ignore.
After a year of testing, here's my honest assessment: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
The difference becomes particularly apparent when something goes wrong. National providers have the resources and infrastructure to respond quickly, replace equipment, and maintain service standards that smaller operations sometimes struggle to match.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance. Invest in professional installation from a reputable provider, whether national or local. The expertise and peace of mind are worth far more than the modest savings of DIY alternatives.
Your home is your sanctuary. Protect it accordingly.
Atlantic City has a population of 236,314 and is located in Atlantic County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $29,526. Median home value is $149,956, and the median rent is $927/month. With a median age of 37.1 years old, 18.1% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 11% having an income over $100,000. 30% 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.
