Have you ever wondered if that security system you're considering is actually going to protect your family when it matters most? Or are you just paying for a fancy doorbell and some stickers?
Fairfield's beautiful location between San Francisco and Sacramento makes it an ideal place to call home. With its proximity to wine country and reasonable housing costs (at least by California standards!), it's no wonder many choose to settle here. But paradise comes with some concerns.
I've spent the last year testing home security systems in our Fairfield test house, having five different professional installations done by different companies in the same property. What I discovered might surprise you – there's a massive gap between marketing promises and real-world protection.
Let me cut through the hype and share what I've learned after living with these systems day-to-day. In 2025, security technology has evolved dramatically, but some fundamentals remain unchanged.
When I talk to homeowners across Fairfield, the conversation inevitably turns to cost. But here's the thing – the cheapest system isn't always the best value. After testing multiple systems, I found that reliability trumps initial cost every time.
The system that consistently detected intrusions, never triggered false alarms, and maintained connection during power outages provided the best value – even when it wasn't the cheapest option upfront.
You know what surprised me most? The features homeowners end up using daily aren't always the ones they bought the system for.
Video doorbells and garage control topped our usage stats by a mile. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking if you left the garage open while at work became instant game-changers. Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint absolutely nail these features with intuitive interfaces that even my tech-phobic parents could master.
Let's be real – you're not just buying sensors and cameras. You're investing in peace of mind. And that extends beyond break-ins to fire safety too. The systems that integrated smoke and carbon monoxide detection provided comprehensive protection that made me sleep better at night.
The goal isn't to turn your home into Fort Knox – it's to implement reasonable security measures that significantly reduce your risk profile.
Security technology has made impressive leaps in 2025. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a prowler and your neighbor's cat with remarkable accuracy. Facial recognition has become standard on mid-tier systems, and integration with smart home platforms is seamless.
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
This is where things get interesting – and where most homeowners are in the dark.
ADT operates through a network of monitoring centers across the country. They're the 800-pound gorilla of the industry, with over 140 years in business. But here's what most people don't realize: when you call "ADT," you might actually be talking to SafeStreets, their largest authorized dealer.
SafeStreets and other authorized dealers must adhere to ADT's installation standards and service protocols. They sell ADT-branded equipment and connect you to ADT's monitoring centers. It's like buying a McDonald's franchise – the local owner operates the business, but follows corporate standards.
Vivint takes a different approach. They're vertically integrated, meaning they design their own equipment, employ their own installers, and run their own monitoring centers. This gives them impressive control over the entire customer experience, which I found resulted in more consistent service quality.
Their smart home integration is particularly impressive, with everything from doorbell cameras to thermostats working together seamlessly.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same underlying monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers countless local dealers nationwide, while ADT uses their proprietary system. This means the actual technology behind your monitoring might be identical whether you choose a national brand or local company.
After watching five professional installations and attempting my own DIY setup, I'm convinced: professional installation is worth every penny.
The "tricks of the trade" professionals know make a substantial difference. They understand optimal sensor height and angle to eliminate blind spots. They know how to secure devices against tampering. They recognize potential vulnerabilities in your home that you might overlook.
Common DIY mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners.
Let's talk numbers: Fairfield's property crime rate is 29% higher than the national average, while violent crime exceeds the national average by 18%. The city currently has a crime grade of 1 (on a scale where higher is better).
These statistics matter for both homeowners and the 59% of residents who rent. A comprehensive security system doesn't just protect your possessions – it creates a safer environment for your entire family.
After a year of testing, here's my take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability and consistency provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint justify their slightly higher costs for most homeowners.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by companies with decades of experience and nationwide resources is invaluable. When an emergency happens, you want absolute confidence in your security provider.
Don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise these pros bring to the table could make all the difference when it matters most. Your family's safety is worth the investment in doing it right the first time.
Fairfield has a population of 142,042 and is located in Solano County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $86,204. Median home value is $431,570, and the median rent is $1,734/month. With a median age of 35 years old, 27.8% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 41.9% having an income over $100,000. 50.3% 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.
