Have you ever wondered if that security system you're considering is actually going to protect your family when it matters most? Or if the installer you're about to hire knows what they're doing? After having five different systems professionally installed in the same house, I've got some eye-opening insights to share.
North Hempstead is one of Long Island's gems, with its beautiful harbor views, excellent schools, and vibrant communities. But even in this slice of suburban paradise, security remains a legitimate concern for homeowners and renters alike.
As we move through 2025, crime trends in the area continue to fluctuate, making home security more relevant than ever. That's why our team decided to put the major security providers to the test, having five different systems professionally installed in the same test home. We wanted to cut through the marketing hype and give you the real scoop on what works, what doesn't, and who you should trust with your family's safety.
After speaking with dozens of local homeowners and security experts, three key factors consistently emerged as most important:
Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on security is rarely wise. The sweet spot is finding a system that offers solid protection without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up costs. National providers like ADT and Vivint have standardized pricing that's competitive, while local installers sometimes offer more flexibility but less consistency.
Interestingly, the security components homeowners actually use daily aren't always the alarm sensors. Video doorbells and garage door controls have become the must-have features of modern systems. They provide daily convenience while adding security. In our testing, Vivint's doorbell camera and ADT's Google Nest integration offered the most intuitive and reliable experiences.
A properly installed security system isn't just about deterring break-ins—it's comprehensive protection. The best systems include fire and carbon monoxide detection, which can literally save lives. When we tested response times across different providers, the difference between a good and mediocre monitoring center was about 45 seconds—an eternity in an emergency situation.
Security technology has made impressive leaps forward in 2025. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a prowler and a passing deer with remarkable accuracy. Smartphone integration has become seamless, allowing you to check in on your home from anywhere in the world.
But some aspects of security remain timeless: proper sensor placement, reliable monitoring, and rapid response will never go out of style. During our testing, we found that while the equipment has gotten smarter, it's still the human elements—installation quality and monitoring responsiveness—that make or break a system's effectiveness.
The integration of Google Nest products with ADT systems has matured nicely since their partnership began years ago, offering particularly impressive smart home capabilities. Meanwhile, Vivint's proprietary equipment continues to set the standard for elegant integration and user-friendly interfaces.
To make an informed choice, you need to understand the business models behind these companies:
ADT is the 800-pound gorilla of home security, with monitoring centers across the country providing redundancy and 24/7 coverage. SafeStreets is an authorized ADT dealer, which means they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but operate as a separate business entity. The benefit? You get ADT's reliable monitoring with potentially more personalized installation service.
Vivint takes a different approach, handling everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This vertical integration allows for tight quality control and seamless smart home integration. In our testing, their technicians were consistently the most knowledgeable about their own products.
Many local security companies in North Hempstead actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands (often ADT). They're bound by the same standards and requirements as the parent company, but may offer more flexible pricing or personalized service.
Here's an industry secret: many security companies use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com is a major platform that powers the backend for numerous local and regional providers. ADT uses their own proprietary monitoring centers, which showed the fastest response times in our testing.
As someone who's fairly tech-savvy, I initially thought DIY installation would be a breeze. I was wrong.
Security professionals bring years of experience to your installation. They know exactly where to place sensors to eliminate blind spots, how to properly secure equipment against tampering, and how to test systems thoroughly. During our test installations, I watched professionals place motion sensors in locations I would never have considered—but which made perfect sense once explained.
The most frequent DIY errors include improper sensor height (leading to false alarms or missed intrusions), inadequate coverage of entry points, and failure to secure the system hub. One installer showed me how a typical DIY setup left the main control panel vulnerable to being disabled before it could send an alarm signal.
While DIY systems like Simplisafe have their place (especially for renters), having a professional handle your installation ensures your system works as intended when you need it most. When it comes to protecting your family, the small savings from DIY rarely justify the increased risk.
After extensive testing and research, here are the best options for North Hempstead residents:
North Hempstead has a crime grade of B, with property crime rates slightly lower than the national average. However, certain neighborhoods experience periodic spikes in break-ins and property crimes.
What's particularly notable is that security matters for everyone—not just homeowners. With 78.6% of North Hempstead residents renting their homes, portable security options or landlord-approved systems are increasingly important.
After living with five different security systems and dealing with various installers, 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 has never been better than it is in 2025, but it's the quality of installation and monitoring that will ultimately determine how well your home is protected. Don't leave your family's safety to chance—invest in professional installation from a reputable provider. Your peace of mind is worth it.
Ready to secure your North Hempstead home the right way? Start by scheduling professional consultations with both SafeStreets and Vivint to compare options tailored to your specific needs.
North Hempstead has a population of 230,922 and is located in Nassau County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $130,551. Median home value is $733,333, and the median rent is $1,931/month. With a median age of 42.4 years old, 57% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 61.1% having an income over $100,000. 59.2% 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.
