Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I know I did, which is why I decided to put five different professionally installed systems to the test in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Fort Smith, with its charming historic downtown and beautiful riverfront, offers residents a unique blend of small-town feel with city amenities. But beneath this picturesque surface lies a concerning reality that can't be ignored.
As we head into 2025, Fort Smith continues to face significant security challenges. Property crime rates are 182% greater than the national average, while violent crime sits at a troubling 202% above average. With a crime grade of 0, security concerns affect everyone—both the homeowners and the 50.6% of residents who rent.
After living with and testing multiple security systems in our test facility, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight facts about what works, what doesn't, and who you should trust with your home's security in Fort Smith.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. However, the most expensive isn't automatically superior either. What matters is the relationship between value and reliability.
In my testing, I found that systems in the $30-50 monthly monitoring range hit the sweet spot. Below that price point, you often sacrifice essential features or reliability; above it, you're typically paying for bells and whistles that don't meaningfully improve your security.
Here's something interesting I discovered: 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 appreciated smart security features.
Why? Because they solve everyday problems. Video doorbells let you see who's at your door without getting up, screen visitors, and monitor package deliveries. Integrated garage control lets you check if you left the garage door open and close it remotely—something Fort Smith residents tell me they use almost daily.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these quality-of-life implementations, with intuitive interfaces that even my tech-phobic relatives could master.
The most valuable aspect of a good security system isn't tangible—it's the peace of mind. Knowing your home is protected against intrusion, fire, carbon monoxide, and water damage allows you to sleep better at night and enjoy life more fully during the day.
After testing multiple systems, I've found that comprehensive protection doesn't require a fortress mentality—just reasonable, thoughtful implementation of modern security technology.
Security technology has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles with remarkable accuracy. Mobile apps have become incredibly intuitive, allowing granular control over your entire system from anywhere.
However, some aspects of security remain timeless. Motion sensors, door/window contacts, and glass break detectors still form the foundation of any good system. The difference is in how these components integrate with modern technology.
The best systems now offer:
ADT operates one of the largest monitoring networks in the country, with multiple redundant monitoring centers staffed 24/7. However, many people don't realize that when they "call ADT," they're often actually calling an authorized dealer like SafeStreets.
SafeStreets is ADT's largest authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment, but the monitoring is handled by ADT's professional monitoring centers. This arrangement ensures consistent quality standards while allowing for local service.
Vivint takes a different approach. As a fully integrated company, they handle everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This vertical integration allows them to offer some of the most tightly integrated smart home security features on the market, though sometimes at a premium price.
In my testing, Vivint's system offered the most seamless smart home experience, with particularly impressive doorbell camera and garage control implementations.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers many local dealers' systems nationwide, while ADT uses its proprietary monitoring network.
This means the actual "watching" of your home often happens at the same facilities regardless of which local company you choose. The difference comes down to installation quality, customer service, and equipment options.
As someone who considers myself technically inclined, I was humbled by what I learned watching professional installers work. There's an art to security system installation that goes far beyond connecting wires.
Professional installers know:
In my research, I've seen homeowners make critical errors that compromise their security:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners. Professional installation typically adds $200-500 to the upfront cost but dramatically improves system effectiveness.
After testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house, I've come to a clear conclusion: while local Fort Smith companies offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide superior peace of mind for most homeowners.
The slightly higher cost—typically $5-10 more per month—pays dividends in reliability, feature sets, and ongoing support. When it comes to protecting your family and property in a city with concerning crime statistics, that premium is easily justified.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise these technicians bring ensures your system works as intended when you need it most. In Fort Smith's challenging security environment, that's not just a convenience—it's a necessity.
Fort Smith has a population of 125,306 and is located in Sebastian County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $45,233. Median home value is $131,937, and the median rent is $703/month. With a median age of 36.7 years old, 24.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 17.2% having an income over $100,000. 44.8% 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.
