Ever wonder if that fancy security system you're eyeing is actually worth the money? Or if the installer you're considering knows what they're doing? I've been there—and I've got some eye-opening insights to share.
Portland, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant food scene, continues to attract residents from across the country in 2025. But beneath the charm of the Rose City lies a concerning reality: property crime rates 142% above the national average and violent crime 35% higher than what most Americans experience.
After hearing one too many stories about break-ins in my neighborhood, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Over the past year, I've had five different security systems professionally installed in the same house. Yes, my neighbors think I'm slightly obsessed (they're not wrong), but this experiment revealed crucial insights that cut through the marketing hype and exposed what really matters when securing your Portland home.
After countless conversations with fellow Portlanders about their security systems, three priorities consistently emerged:
Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on home security is a gamble most aren't willing to take. The sweet spot? Systems that offer dependable protection without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up costs. I found that spending about $1,500-2,000 upfront with monthly monitoring between $40-60 hits this balance for most Portland homes.
Here's what surprised me: the features homeowners use most aren't necessarily the ones that prevent break-ins. Video doorbells and garage control topped the list of "can't live without" features. Why? They solve everyday problems:
These features have become must-haves, with ADT's Google Nest integration and Vivint's smart home ecosystem offering the most polished implementations I've tested.
Portland homeowners increasingly view security systems as comprehensive safety nets. Fire detection, carbon monoxide monitoring, and flood sensors often provide more day-to-day value than intrusion detection. One homeowner told me, "I've never had a break-in, but my system's smoke detector saved my house when a fire started while I was at work."
Security technology has evolved dramatically, but some principles remain constant:
What's New:
What's Timeless:
The security industry can be confusing with its web of dealers, monitoring centers, and technology platforms. Here's what you need to know:
ADT operates six monitoring centers across the US, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. They employ their own installation technicians in some markets, but also work with authorized dealers who sell and install ADT systems.
SafeStreets is ADT's largest authorized dealer. They sell, install, and service ADT systems, but your monitoring contract is with ADT itself. This arrangement gives you the stability of ADT with potentially more competitive pricing and installation flexibility.
Unlike ADT, Vivint handles everything in-house—from sales to installation to monitoring. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but sometimes means higher prices. Their smart home technology is arguably the most advanced I've tested, with particularly impressive doorbell cameras and garage controllers.
Many local Portland security companies are actually authorized dealers for larger brands. They install the equipment, but your monitoring likely comes from a national provider. For example, most local companies use Alarm.com's platform, which powers monitoring for thousands of security providers nationwide.
As someone who builds computers for fun, I assumed I could install a security system myself. I was wrong.
Professional installers bring expertise that goes beyond following instructions:
I've seen technically savvy homeowners make critical errors:
When it comes to protecting your family, the extra cost of professional installation is justified. As one installer told me, "Security isn't where you want to learn through trial and error."
After my testing marathon, here's my assessment of Portland's security installation options:
Portland's property crime rate sits 142% above the national average, while violent crime exceeds the national average by 35%. The city currently has a crime grade of 0—the lowest possible rating.
These statistics matter for both homeowners and the 53.1% of residents who rent. Security systems provide documented deterrent effects, with visible cameras and yard signs reducing break-in attempts by up to 60% according to industry studies.
After living with systems from both national providers and local companies, I've reached a conclusion that might surprise you: while local companies often offer more competitive pricing, the stability, consistency, and technological edge provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
Local companies can provide excellent service, but they're more vulnerable to staffing changes, business challenges, and technological limitations. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your security provider will be there five years from now has real value.
Whatever you decide, please don't cut corners on professional installation. The expertise these technicians bring can make the difference between a system that truly protects your home and one that merely gives the illusion of security. Your Portland home—and the people and possessions inside it—deserve nothing less.
Portland has a population of 2,072,553 and is located in Multnomah County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $73,159. Median home value is $438,460, and the median rent is $1,325/month. With a median age of 37.5 years old, 51% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 36.4% having an income over $100,000. 41.2% 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.
