Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? After having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house, I've got some eye-opening insights to share.
Glendale, Arizona is a vibrant city with amazing desert landscapes and a tight-knit community feel. It's home to State Farm Stadium, hosts incredible events, and offers that perfect blend of suburban comfort with city amenities. But like any growing metropolitan area, Glendale faces its security challenges.
As we head into 2025, the security landscape in Glendale has evolved, but so have the solutions. Having personally tested multiple security systems in our test facility (yes, we literally had five different systems installed in the same house), I'm here to cut through the marketing hype and help you make the best choice for your home and family.
After speaking with hundreds of homeowners and testing countless systems, I've found that three things consistently matter most:
Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on home security is like buying the cheapest parachute—not where you want to cut corners. The sweet spot is finding a system that offers dependable protection without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up the price.
Here's something that surprised me during our testing: the features homeowners use most aren't always the "security" features. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most-used and most-loved features of modern systems. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking if you left the garage open while at work provides everyday convenience that transforms how you interact with your home.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have absolutely nailed these integrations in 2025, making them seamless parts of daily life rather than just emergency tools.
A good security system isn't just about preventing break-ins—it's comprehensive protection. Modern systems now integrate fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and even water leak monitoring. When we talk about security, we're really talking about creating a protective bubble around everything you value.
The security technology landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. Today's systems feature:
But some aspects of security are timeless:
This is where things get interesting—and where most homeowners are in the dark.
ADT operates six monitoring centers across North America, providing redundancy that ensures someone is always watching your system. SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but they're actually a separate company. They must meet ADT's strict requirements and standards, but your contract is ultimately with ADT for monitoring.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. When you get Vivint, you're dealing with Vivint employees from sales through installation and service. This vertical integration allows them to control the entire customer experience and has made them leaders in smart home integration.
Many local security companies in Glendale actually operate as ADT authorized dealers or use Alarm.com as their monitoring platform. This isn't necessarily bad—they're leveraging established infrastructure while providing local service—but it's something many homeowners don't realize.
In fact, many security companies nationwide use the same central monitoring services, just with different branding. It's like how many regional airlines actually operate flights for major carriers.
During our testing, this became crystal clear: professional installation is worth every penny, even if you're technically inclined.
Professional installers know things most homeowners don't:
I've seen too many DIY installations with critical flaws:
Home security isn't the place to learn through trial and error. Professional installation typically adds $200-400 to your system cost, but considering what's at stake, it's one of the best investments you can make.
Based on our extensive testing and research, here are the best options for Glendale residents:
The statistics paint a clear picture of why security matters in Glendale. Property crime rates are 39% higher than the national average, while violent crime is 13% above the national average. The city currently has a crime grade of D.
These numbers matter for both the 44.2% who own homes and the 55.8% of residents who rent. A security system isn't just for homeowners—it's essential protection for anyone who values their safety and possessions.
After testing systems from both national providers and local companies, here's my honest take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The technology gap has narrowed, but the infrastructure, training, and reliability of these national providers remain unmatched. When it comes to something as important as protecting your home and family, that consistency matters.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The difference between a properly installed system and a DIY attempt can be the difference between real security and just the illusion of it. Your home deserves better than "good enough" when it comes to security.
Glendale has a population of 250,290 and is located in Maricopa County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $56,991. Median home value is $228,250, and the median rent is $1,051/month. With a median age of 33.8 years old, 21.8% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 24.4% having an income over $100,000. 40.8% 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.
