Ever wonder if that security system you hastily installed is actually protecting your family, or just making you feel better? I did too, which is why I spent the last year testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you...
Brookhaven, with its stunning beaches and charming neighborhoods, represents some of the best Long Island has to offer. In 2025, it remains one of New York's most desirable communities. But even paradise needs protection.
While Brookhaven boasts impressively low crime rates (we'll get to those stats later), security concerns still exist. As someone who's had five different security systems professionally installed in my test home, I've learned to cut through the marketing hype and identify what truly matters for homeowners. Let me share what I've discovered about securing your Brookhaven property.
After a year of testing, I've found that the cheapest option is rarely the best value. The real question isn't "How much does it cost?" but rather "How reliable is it when I need it most?"
The most valuable systems balance upfront costs with long-term reliability. When your family's safety is at stake, paying a bit more for equipment that won't fail during a power outage or lose connection during a storm is worth every penny.
Here's something the brochures don't tell you: the features you'll use most aren't the high-tech motion sensors or glass-break detectors. They're the everyday convenience features.
In my testing, video doorbells and garage control consistently ranked as the most frequently used components. 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. Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these areas, offering seamless integration that actually works in real-world conditions.
Security isn't just about preventing break-ins—it's about comprehensive protection. The best systems integrate fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and even water leak monitoring. During my testing, I found myself sleeping better knowing these systems were actively monitoring multiple threat vectors, not just entry points.
It's 2025, and security technology has never been more advanced or user-friendly. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a prowler and your neighbor's cat with remarkable accuracy. Mobile apps have become intuitive enough that even my tech-averse parents can use them without calling me for help.
But some principles remain timeless:
The best systems of 2025 combine cutting-edge technology with these timeless principles. They don't just alert you to threats—they actively help prevent them through deterrence and rapid response.
ADT operates a network of six redundant monitoring centers across North America. This means if one center goes offline due to a natural disaster, your system remains protected. Their average response time in my tests was under 30 seconds—impressive considering they monitor millions of homes.
SafeStreets isn't ADT—they're an authorized dealer. This means they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but operate as an independent business. The benefit? You get ADT's monitoring infrastructure with potentially more personalized installation service. During my installation, the SafeStreets technician spent nearly two hours optimizing sensor placement—something I doubt would have happened with a rushed corporate installation.
Vivint takes a different approach, handling everything in-house from sales to installation to monitoring. Their smart home integration is arguably the most seamless I've tested, with their doorbell camera and garage control features working flawlessly with their security ecosystem. Their sales approach is more direct (sometimes aggressively so), but their technology is undeniably impressive.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring centers. Alarm.com provides the backbone for numerous local dealers nationwide, while ADT maintains their proprietary monitoring infrastructure. This means the difference often lies in installation quality and customer service, not necessarily monitoring capability.
As someone who builds computers for fun, I initially thought DIY security would be a breeze. I was wrong.
Professional installers know things you don't:
In my research interviewing homeowners who attempted DIY installations, I found recurring issues:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to learn through trial and error.
Brookhaven residents enjoy remarkably safe conditions. Property crime rates are 77% lower than the national average, while violent crime is 71% below average. The city earns an impressive crime grade of 10 (the best possible score).
But these statistics don't tell the whole story. Even in safe communities, targeted property crimes occur. And for the 80.1% of residents who rent, security concerns are different but equally important. Renters need systems that offer protection without permanent modifications—something SimpliSafe excels at providing.
After a year of testing, here's my honest assessment: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the reliability and consistency of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide superior peace of mind.
The slightly higher cost translates to more reliable monitoring, better mobile apps, and more consistent service experiences. When your 3am emergency alarm goes off, that reliability difference becomes priceless.
Don't compromise on professional installation, regardless of which provider you choose. The expertise, proper placement, and system optimization they provide form the foundation of a truly effective security system—one that protects your family when it matters most, not just when conditions are ideal.
Your Brookhaven home deserves nothing less than professional protection. After all, what's more valuable than your family's safety?
Brookhaven has a population of 482,671 and is located in Suffolk County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $100,061. Median home value is $356,951, and the median rent is $1,834/month. With a median age of 40 years old, 33.2% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 50% having an income over $100,000. 50.5% 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.
