Have you ever wondered if that deadbolt and window lock are truly enough to protect your home? Or whether that DIY security system you've been eyeing online will actually work when it matters most? I certainly did, which is why I spent the last year testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house.
Burlington, Vermont is undeniably charming with its stunning Lake Champlain views and vibrant downtown scene. The community spirit is palpable as you stroll through Church Street Marketplace. But beneath this picturesque exterior lies a reality that many residents prefer not to discuss: property crime rates that exceed the national average by 23%.
While violent crime remains 9% below national averages (a definite positive), the elevated property crime statistics should give homeowners pause. With a crime grade of just 3 out of 10, Burlington residents—both the 62.4% who own homes and the 37.6% who rent—need to take home security seriously.
As someone who's spent countless hours testing security systems, I've cut through the marketing hype to bring you the unvarnished truth about what really works to protect Burlington homes in 2025.
After speaking with dozens of local homeowners and security experts, three priorities consistently emerged:
Nobody wants to overpay, but cutting corners on home security can be a costly mistake. The sweet spot isn't necessarily the cheapest option, but rather the system that offers dependable protection without unnecessary bells and whistles. Think of it like buying tires for Vermont winters—you don't need the absolute top-of-line model, but the bargain basement option might leave you stranded when you need them most.
Surprisingly, the security features homeowners use most aren't the alarm sensors—they're the convenience features. Video doorbells have become essential, allowing you to see who's at your door whether you're upstairs or across town. Garage door controls rank a close second, eliminating those "did I close the garage?" moments that plague us all. In my testing, ADT (with their Google Nest integration) and Vivint offered the most intuitive and reliable implementations of these features.
The most compelling reason to invest in professional security isn't just crime prevention—it's the holistic protection of your home and family. This includes fire safety (often overlooked in DIY systems) and carbon monoxide detection. The most reasonable approach isn't fortifying your home like Fort Knox, but rather implementing smart, comprehensive protection that addresses the most likely threats.
It's 2025, and security technology has never been more advanced or user-friendly. Today's systems feature:
However, some security principles remain timeless:
The security industry can seem confusing from the outside, so let me break down how the major players operate:
ADT operates their own monitoring centers—nine of them across North America, providing redundancy if one center experiences issues. They employ thousands of monitoring professionals who respond to alarms 24/7.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment, but the monitoring is handled directly by ADT's centers. This arrangement gives customers the stability of ADT's established monitoring network with the personalized service of a dealer network.
Vivint takes a different approach, operating as a vertically integrated company that handles everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This gives them tight control over the customer experience and allows for deeper smart home integration. Their systems are particularly strong for tech-savvy homeowners who want a fully connected home experience.
Many local Burlington security companies actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. They must meet strict requirements and standards set by the parent company, which can provide quality assurance for customers.
Here's an industry secret: many security companies use the same central monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers the backend for numerous local and regional providers, while ADT uses their proprietary monitoring infrastructure. This means the actual alarm response process might be similar across different companies, with the main differences being in equipment, customer service, and pricing.
After watching professional installers work and attempting DIY installations myself, I'm convinced professional installation is worth every penny. Here's why:
Professional installers know exactly where to place sensors for maximum coverage with minimum false alarms. They understand the blind spots in motion detectors, the optimal height for cameras, and how to protect against sensor tampering. These nuances aren't covered in DIY instruction manuals.
I've seen well-intentioned homeowners place motion sensors where pets will trigger them daily, install door sensors that can be easily bypassed, and position cameras that capture great views of their yard but miss the entry points burglars actually use. These mistakes create a false sense of security that's potentially worse than having no system at all.
When it comes to protecting your family and possessions, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error. Professional installers have typically completed hundreds or thousands of installations and have encountered virtually every home configuration possible in Burlington's diverse housing stock.
Based on my testing and research, here are the best security installation options for Burlington homeowners:
While local companies offer competitive pricing and hometown service, my testing revealed that the established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide superior stability, consistency, and peace of mind. The slight premium you might pay translates to more reliable equipment, better mobile apps, and more responsive monitoring.
After living with five different security systems and experiencing both the strengths and weaknesses of each, I can confidently say that professional installation is non-negotiable for comprehensive home protection. Whether you choose a national provider or a trusted local installer, the expertise they bring ensures your system will work when you need it most.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance—prioritize professional installation and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your Burlington home is truly secure.
Burlington has a population of 115,682 and is located in Chittenden County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $55,461. Median home value is $312,014, and the median rent is $1,279/month. With a median age of 27.1 years old, 54% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 25.7% having an income over $100,000. 24.4% 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.
