Ever wonder if that security system you're considering is actually protecting what matters most, or just giving you a false sense of security? After testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house, I discovered some shocking truths about what works—and what's just marketing hype.
Bel Air South, Maryland offers that perfect blend of suburban charm and convenient amenities that make it such a desirable place to live. The tree-lined streets and well-maintained neighborhoods create a welcoming atmosphere for residents. But like any community in 2025, Bel Air South isn't immune to security concerns.
While property crime rates are actually 12% lower than the national average, violent crime sits about 10% higher than what's typical across the country. With a crime grade of 3, there's definitely room for improvement in community safety. And whether you're among the homeowners or the 80.9% of residents who rent, protecting your space matters.
That's why I spent the last six months testing every major security system installation in my own home. I wanted to cut through the marketing speak and give you the straight facts about what actually works—and what's worth your hard-earned money.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best choice. But that doesn't mean you need to break the bank either. What I've found after testing multiple systems is that the sweet spot lies in finding equipment that offers reliability without unnecessary bells and whistles.
The most important question isn't "How much does it cost?" but rather "Will it work when I need it most?" A security system that fails during a power outage or has spotty cellular backup isn't worth any price.
Here's something the industry doesn't talk about enough: the security features you'll use daily aren't always the ones they highlight in their marketing.
In my testing, video doorbells and garage control consistently ranked as the most frequently used and appreciated features. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking whether you closed the garage after leaving home provides immediate, tangible value every single day.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have absolutely nailed these integrations in 2025. Their doorbell cameras offer crystal-clear video even at night, and their garage controls integrate seamlessly with the rest of your smart home.
A properly installed security system isn't just about deterring break-ins—it's about comprehensive protection. Modern systems now integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak sensors, and even medical alerts for vulnerable family members.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing you've taken reasonable steps to protect your home and loved ones is, frankly, priceless.
Security technology has made impressive leaps in recent years. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a person, pet, vehicle, or package with remarkable accuracy. False alarms have been dramatically reduced thanks to multi-sensor verification.
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
The best systems of 2025 combine cutting-edge technology with these timeless principles. They don't just detect intrusions—they prevent them through visible deterrents and smart integrations.
ADT operates one of the most extensive monitoring networks in the country, with multiple redundant monitoring centers staffed 24/7. If one center goes offline due to a natural disaster, others seamlessly take over. This infrastructure represents decades of investment that smaller companies simply can't match.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment while ADT handles the monitoring. This arrangement allows for local service with national monitoring capabilities. SafeStreets technicians are trained to ADT's standards and must meet their certification requirements.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. They manufacture much of their own equipment and handle everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This vertical integration allows for tighter control over the customer experience and more seamless smart home integration.
Many local security companies in Bel Air South actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. They're bound by the same standards and requirements, but offer a more personalized touch.
What's less known is that many security companies—regardless of the name on your bill—use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com provides the backbone technology for numerous local and regional companies, while ADT maintains their proprietary monitoring network.
As someone who's technically inclined, I initially thought DIY installation would be a breeze. I was wrong.
Professional installers bring years of experience that translates into proper sensor placement, elimination of blind spots, and tamper protection that DIYers often miss. They understand that a motion sensor placed near a heating vent will trigger false alarms, or that certain window sensors need special mounting techniques for casement windows.
The most frequent DIY mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners. The few hundred dollars saved on installation isn't worth compromising your security.
After living with multiple systems and watching how they perform day-to-day, I've come to a clear conclusion: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The technology that powers these systems is more advanced and user-friendly than ever before. Features that were once luxury add-ons—like video doorbells and garage control—have become essential quality-of-life improvements that you'll use daily.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise and proper setup provided by trained professionals ensures your system will work when you need it most—and that's something you can't put a price on.
Your home is worth protecting the right way. Make the call today.
Bel Air South has a population of 222,834 and is located in Harford County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $100,824. Median home value is $312,537, and the median rent is $1,344/month. With a median age of 39.2 years old, 44.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 50.5% having an income over $100,000. 55.4% 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.
