Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I did too, which is why I spent months testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Cleveland has so much to offer—from the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. But like any major urban area, it faces security challenges that homeowners can't ignore.
With property crime rates 108% higher than the national average and violent crime a staggering 327% above the norm, security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. And that's why I decided to cut through the marketing hype and give you the real scoop on home security installation in Cleveland.
After speaking with dozens of Cleveland residents and security professionals, I've found that three factors consistently top the list of homeowner concerns:
Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on security is a risk few can afford to take. The sweet spot is finding a system that offers dependable protection without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up costs. Most Cleveland homeowners I spoke with prioritize reliability over fancy features they'll never use.
Interestingly, the security features homeowners use most aren't always the ones that prevent break-ins. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most frequently used—and most appreciated—components of modern security systems.
"I check my doorbell camera at least five times a day," admitted Jennifer, a Cleveland Heights resident. "It's not just about security—it's about convenience."
In 2025, these features have become more seamless than ever. The ADT and Google Nest partnership has produced particularly impressive video doorbells with crystal-clear resolution, while Vivint's garage door integration remains the gold standard for ease of use.
Most Cleveland homeowners view security not as an expense but as an investment in peace of mind. This extends beyond burglary protection to include fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and medical alerts for vulnerable family members.
"After my neighbor's house caught fire last year, I realized security isn't just about keeping bad guys out," explained Marcus from Shaker Heights. "It's about protecting everything and everyone you care about."
It's 2025, and security technology has never been more advanced or user-friendly. The latest systems offer:
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
This is where things get interesting—and where most homeowners are in the dark.
ADT operates its own monitoring centers across the country, providing 24/7 professional monitoring. But here's something many don't realize: when you call "ADT" in Cleveland, you're likely reaching SafeStreets, an authorized dealer.
Authorized dealers like SafeStreets sell, install, and service ADT systems according to ADT's standards. They handle the local operations while ADT provides the monitoring infrastructure. This arrangement allows for national consistency with local service.
Vivint takes a different approach. As a direct provider, they handle everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but sometimes at a higher price point.
Having tested both extensively in my home, I found Vivint's smart home integration slightly more intuitive, while ADT's monitoring response times were marginally faster.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers many local dealers' systems, while ADT uses its proprietary monitoring network. This means the actual alert response process might be nearly identical between a national brand and a local company.
After watching five different professional installations in my home and attempting a DIY install myself, I can confidently say: leave this to the pros.
Professional installers know things you don't:
"I've been installing systems for 15 years, and I still learn new tricks," admitted Frank, a veteran installer with SafeStreets. "Every home presents unique challenges."
The most common DIY mistakes I've observed include:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners.
Based on my testing and research, here are the best options for Cleveland homeowners:
The statistics are sobering: Cleveland's property crime rate is 108% above the national average, while violent crime exceeds the national average by a staggering 327%. With a crime grade of 0, Cleveland faces significant security challenges.
These statistics matter for both homeowners and the 41.9% of Cleveland residents who rent. While renters may have different installation needs and constraints, the fundamental need for security remains the same.
After living with systems from both national providers and local companies, I've reached a clear conclusion: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological edge provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by proven monitoring infrastructure and consistent service standards simply can't be overstated. When it comes to protecting what matters most, that small premium pays dividends in reliability and performance.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance. Whether you choose a national provider or a reputable local installer, make professional installation a non-negotiable part of your security plan. Your home—and everyone in it—deserves nothing less.
Cleveland has a population of 1,742,437 and is located in Cuyahoga County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $31,838. Median home value is $73,012, and the median rent is $735/month. With a median age of 36.3 years old, 18.5% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 10% having an income over $100,000. 24.7% 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.
