Ever wonder if that fancy security system you're eyeing is actually worth it? Or if the local installer who left that flyer on your door knows what they're doing? After having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house, I've got some surprising insights to share.
Paradise, Nevada might be home to the glittering Las Vegas Strip and some of the world's most spectacular entertainment, but living in this vibrant community comes with its own set of challenges. As a longtime resident and tech reviewer, I've seen firsthand how the security landscape has evolved here.
Let's be real about the situation: property crime in Paradise is currently 46% higher than the national average, and violent crime sits at a concerning 76% above the national average. With a crime grade of 0, security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for both the homeowners and the 39.4% of residents who rent.
That's why I decided to put the top security systems to the test. Over the past year, I've had five different security systems professionally installed in my test home. I wanted to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight facts about what actually works and what's worth your hard-earned money in 2025.
After countless conversations with local homeowners, I've found that three things consistently top the priority list:
Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on security is like buying a cheap parachute—not the place to cut corners. The systems that offer the best value aren't necessarily the cheapest upfront, but rather those that provide consistent performance without surprise fees or frequent false alarms. Think of it like buying tires for your car—you want something that will perform reliably for years, not just the cheapest option.
Surprisingly, the features homeowners use most aren't the advanced motion sensors or glass break detectors—they're the video doorbells and garage door controls. In 2025, these aren't just conveniences; they're essentials. Being able to see who's at your door while you're at work or open your garage for a delivery person from your phone has transformed from novelty to necessity.
The integration between ADT and Google Nest has produced some of the most user-friendly doorbell cameras I've tested, while Vivint's garage control system remains the gold standard for reliability and ease of use.
Security isn't just about preventing break-ins—it's about comprehensive protection. The best systems now integrate fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and even water leak monitoring. When I ask homeowners what they value most, the answer is consistently "sleeping better at night," knowing they've done the reasonable thing to protect their families.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between a person, pet, or vehicle with remarkable accuracy. Mobile apps have become incredibly intuitive, allowing you to arm/disarm systems and check camera feeds with just a glance or voice command.
But some aspects of security remain timeless. Proper sensor placement, backup power systems, and professional monitoring are as important today as they were decades ago. The technology may change, but the fundamentals of good security don't.
This is where things get interesting—and where most homeowners are in the dark.
ADT operates through a network of authorized dealers, with SafeStreets being one of the largest. When you call SafeStreets, you're getting ADT equipment and monitoring, but installation and customer service come through the local dealer. ADT maintains six monitoring centers across the country, ensuring your system is always being watched, even if one center goes offline.
Unlike ADT, Vivint uses a direct sales model. The person who sells you the system, the technician who installs it, and the monitoring service all work directly for Vivint. This creates a more consistent experience but sometimes at a premium price. Their smart home integration is second to none, particularly if you want a system that seamlessly controls security, lighting, climate, and entertainment.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same central monitoring stations. Alarm.com provides the backbone for countless local dealers nationwide. So when a company claims they have "proprietary monitoring," take it with a grain of salt. What differs is the quality of equipment, installation expertise, and customer service—not necessarily who's watching the alerts.
After watching professionals install five different systems in my home, I can confidently say this: professional installation is worth every penny, even if you're tech-savvy.
Professional installers know things you don't. They understand the optimal height for motion sensors to avoid pet triggers. They know which windows are most vulnerable and which door sensors need extra tamper protection. They've seen every type of home construction and know how to work around challenges.
In my testing, I watched a pro installer place a motion sensor in a spot I would never have considered—which turned out to provide perfect coverage for two blind spots I hadn't even noticed.
The most frequent DIY mistakes I've seen include improper sensor height, inadequate coverage of entry points, and failure to secure the system hub. One homeowner I interviewed had installed their own system, only to have a break-in where the intruder simply unplugged the base station—something a professional would never allow to happen.
After extensive testing and research, here are the best options for Paradise residents:
While local companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, my testing revealed that 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 powering home security has never been more advanced or user-friendly than it is in 2025. But at the end of the day, what matters most isn't having the latest gadget—it's having a system that's properly installed, reliably monitored, and there when you need it most.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance or a DIY weekend project. Paradise may be beautiful, but it's not immune to crime. Invest in professional installation from a reputable company, and you'll sleep better knowing you've done everything reasonable to protect what matters most.
Paradise has a population of 193,150 and is located in Clark County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $48,032. Median home value is $259,643, and the median rent is $992/month. With a median age of 38.4 years old, 22.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 19% having an income over $100,000. 38.3% 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.
