Ever wondered if that fancy security system you're eyeing is actually worth the money? Or if your DIY setup has gaping vulnerabilities you've never considered? After having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house (yes, my neighbors think I'm paranoid), I've got some eye-opening insights to share about securing your Pittsburgh home in 2025.
Pittsburgh's transformation from steel city to tech hub has been nothing short of remarkable. The city's stunning three rivers view and vibrant cultural scene make it an incredible place to call home. But beneath this renaissance lies a concerning reality: property crime rates that sit 54% above the national average, with violent crime running 49% higher than the norm.
As someone who's spent years testing home security systems, I've seen firsthand how the right setup can make all the difference. I've had professionals from national brands and local installers alike crawl through my attic, wire my doors, and explain (sometimes in excruciating detail) why that window sensor needs to be exactly 1/4 inch from the frame. And I'm here to cut through the marketing hype and help you figure out what actually works.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. But that doesn't mean you need to remortgage your house for peace of mind. The sweet spot lies in systems that offer reliable protection without unnecessary bells and whistles.
In my testing, I found that mid-tier packages from reputable companies like SafeStreets (ADT's authorized dealer) and Vivint hit this balance nicely. They're not the cheapest options, but they won't fail you when it matters most.
Here's something the brochures don't tell you: the security features you'll use most often have nothing to do with burglary prevention.
After testing dozens of systems, I can confidently say that video doorbells and garage control are the "killer apps" of home security. Being able to see who's at your door while you're at work, or double-checking that you closed the garage from bed, transforms these systems from emergency-only tools to daily conveniences.
The 2025 implementations from ADT (with their Google Nest integration) and Vivint are particularly impressive here. Their interfaces are intuitive enough that even my tech-averse parents could figure them out without calling me for help.
Let's be honest—the statistical likelihood of a break-in is relatively low for most homes. But security systems aren't just about preventing the worst-case scenario; they're about sleeping better knowing you've done what you reasonably can to protect your family.
And don't forget fire safety. Modern systems integrate smoke and carbon monoxide detection with your security setup, potentially saving lives in emergencies where minutes matter.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between a prowler and a passing deer, sensors that can detect unusual activity patterns, and systems that integrate seamlessly with your entire smart home ecosystem.
But some aspects of security remain timeless: solid door frames, proper lighting, and strategically placed sensors will never go out of style. The best systems combine cutting-edge technology with these fundamental principles.
This is where things get interesting (and where most homeowners get confused).
ADT is the 800-pound gorilla of home security, with monitoring centers across the country and over 140 years in business. But here's what many don't realize: when you call "ADT," you're often actually calling SafeStreets, their largest authorized dealer.
SafeStreets and other authorized dealers must meet ADT's standards and use their monitoring services, but they operate as separate businesses. This isn't necessarily bad—it's just important to understand who's actually installing and servicing your system.
Vivint takes a different approach, employing their own sales and installation teams. This direct model gives them tighter control over the customer experience and has allowed them to push the envelope on smart home integration. Their systems feel more cohesive as a result, though they typically come at a premium price point.
Here's an industry secret: many security companies use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com powers the backend for countless local dealers nationwide, while ADT maintains their own monitoring centers.
This means the difference between companies often comes down to equipment, service, and support rather than the actual monitoring process.
As someone who's built computers from scratch and wired my own home network, I initially thought DIY security would be a breeze. I was wrong.
Professional installers know things you don't. They understand that a motion sensor placed too close to a heating vent will trigger false alarms. They know the exact height to mount outdoor cameras to prevent tampering while maintaining a useful field of view. They recognize potential entry points you might overlook.
During one professional installation, I watched as the technician identified and secured a vulnerability in my basement window that I'd completely missed—despite having lived in the home for years.
The most frequent DIY errors 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.
With property crime 54% above the national average and violent crime 49% higher, Pittsburgh earns a concerning crime grade of 0. These statistics matter for everyone—both the homeowners and the 46.7% of residents who rent.
While these numbers shouldn't cause panic, they do highlight the importance of taking reasonable precautions. A visible security system serves as both a deterrent and a response mechanism if the worst happens.
After all my testing and living with these systems, here's my take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological edge provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by companies with decades of experience and 24/7 monitoring centers can't be overstated. And with the quality-of-life features now available in 2025, these systems enhance your daily routine beyond just security.
Whatever you choose, please don't skimp on professional installation. The few hundred dollars you might save doing it yourself could cost you far more in the long run—both financially and in terms of your family's safety.
Your home is your sanctuary. Protect it accordingly.
Pittsburgh has a population of 1,719,289 and is located in Allegheny County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $50,536. Median home value is $134,394, and the median rent is $984/month. With a median age of 33.4 years old, 45.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 22.5% having an income over $100,000. 30.5% 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.
