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 systems professionally installed in the same house, I can tell you the difference is shocking.
Irving is a gem in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with its vibrant cultural scene and strong economic growth. But even in this thriving community, security concerns remain a reality for homeowners and renters alike.
As someone who's spent the last year testing every major security system on the market in our test home, I've seen firsthand how the security landscape has evolved in 2025. I've watched installers make critical decisions that either strengthened or compromised home security, and I'm here to cut through the marketing hype to help you make the best choice for your Irving home.
After countless conversations with Irving residents and security professionals, I've found three factors consistently rise to the top:
Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on security is penny-wise and pound-foolish. The sweet spot is finding systems that deliver consistent performance without unnecessary bells and whistles. Think of it like buying tires for your car – you don't need the most expensive ones, but the cheapest options might leave you stranded when you need them most.
Surprisingly, the features homeowners use most aren't the traditional security components. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most frequently used and appreciated features. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking whether you closed the garage after leaving provides daily peace of mind.
In 2025, these features have become remarkably seamless. The ADT integration with Google Nest and Vivint's proprietary smart home ecosystem offer the most polished experiences I've tested.
A comprehensive security approach isn't just about deterring break-ins – it's about protecting against all threats. Modern systems now integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak sensors, and even medical alert options. The goal isn't paranoia; it's reasonable protection against real risks.
Security technology has made impressive leaps forward in 2025. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a package delivery, a prowler, and your teenager sneaking in past curfew. Battery life has improved dramatically, with some sensors now lasting 5+ years without replacement.
But some aspects of security remain timeless: proper sensor placement, redundant communication methods (cellular backup is non-negotiable), and professional monitoring still form the foundation of effective security.
The integration of voice assistants has become seamless, with systems responding naturally to commands like "I'm going to bed" to arm the system, lock doors, and adjust thermostats.
The security industry can be confusing with its web of dealers, monitoring centers, and technology platforms. Here's what you need to know:
ADT is the largest and oldest security provider in the US, operating their own UL-listed monitoring centers staffed by trained professionals. SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer – they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but your monitoring contract is ultimately with ADT itself.
This arrangement provides the installation expertise of a local company with the resources and stability of a national brand. When your alarm triggers, it's ADT's monitoring center that responds.
Vivint takes a different approach, handling everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This vertical integration allows them to offer a highly cohesive smart home experience, with proprietary equipment designed to work seamlessly together. Their approach emphasizes technology and integration, with some of the most advanced smart home features on the market.
Many local Irving security companies are actually authorized dealers for larger brands. They often use Alarm.com as their technology platform – the same backend that powers many national brands. This isn't necessarily bad, but it's important to understand who's actually monitoring your system and what happens if your local dealer goes out of business.
As someone who considers themselves technically inclined, I was humbled watching professional installers work. There's a world of difference between plugging in components and creating a truly secure system.
Professionals know to place motion sensors at choke points where intruders must pass, to angle them to avoid false alarms from pets, and to secure door sensors where they can't be easily tampered with. They understand the limitations of wireless signals through different building materials and how to compensate.
Common DIY mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
After extensive testing and research, here are the best options for Irving homeowners:
Local Irving options include:
Understanding the local security landscape helps make informed decisions. Irving's property crime rate is 31% higher than the national average, while violent crime is 17% lower, giving the city an overall crime grade of 4 (with 10 being safest).
These statistics highlight why both homeowners and the 37.7% of residents who rent should consider proper security measures. Property crimes like burglary and theft are opportunistic – criminals typically choose the easiest targets, making visible security measures an effective deterrent.
After a year of testing systems and interviewing countless Irving homeowners, my recommendation comes down to this: while local companies may 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 slight premium you might pay is offset by the reliability of their monitoring centers, the quality of their equipment, and the certainty that they'll be around to service your system for years to come.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise of a trained installer is the foundation upon which your entire security system rests. Your family's safety is worth doing right the first time.
Irving has a population of 240,475 and is located in Dallas County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $66,567. Median home value is $198,892, and the median rent is $1,192/month. With a median age of 32 years old, 38.6% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 29% having an income over $100,000. 49.3% 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.
