Have you ever wondered if that lock you installed yourself is actually keeping your family safe? Or if those DIY security cameras have a blind spot a professional would have caught? I did too, which is why I decided to put five different security systems to the test in the same house.
Nestled between the stunning Mingus and Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott Valley offers residents a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The sweeping vistas and tight-knit community make it one of Arizona's hidden gems.
But even in this relatively safe community, security matters. While Prescott Valley boasts impressive safety stats (property crime is 60% lower than the national average, and violent crime is 57% lower), no community is immune to security concerns. With a crime grade of 10 (excellent), residents might feel a false sense of security that could leave them vulnerable.
After testing five professionally installed security systems in the same house over the past year, I'm here to cut through the marketing hype and help you understand what really matters for your home's security in 2025.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. But that doesn't mean you need to break the bank either. What I've found is that the sweet spot lies in systems that offer reliable protection with reasonable monthly costs.
After living with multiple systems, I discovered that paying a bit more for professional monitoring provides exponentially more value than trying to save a few bucks with self-monitoring. When your garage door sensor triggered at 2 AM, would you rather have a dedicated monitoring center calling you, or rely on yourself to check that smartphone notification?
Surprisingly, the features homeowners use most aren't always the ones that sound most impressive in marketing materials. Based on my testing, these two features consistently proved most valuable:
Both ADT (with their Google Nest integration) and Vivint have perfected these features in their 2025 offerings.
The real value of a security system isn't just deterring break-ins—it's the peace of mind knowing your home is protected from multiple threats. Modern systems now integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak sensors, and even temperature monitoring to protect against Arizona's extreme summer heat.
Security technology has advanced dramatically in 2025, with AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles with remarkable accuracy. Voice control has become seamlessly integrated, and smartphone apps have become more intuitive than ever.
However, some aspects of security remain timeless:
The best systems combine cutting-edge technology with these timeless principles.
ADT operates its own UL-listed monitoring centers throughout the US, with redundant facilities ensuring your home is never left unprotected. They've been in business for over 145 years, which provides a level of stability smaller companies can't match.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but operate as a separate business entity. They must meet ADT's strict requirements and standards, and your monitoring is handled directly by ADT's professional centers.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. Unlike ADT's dealer network, Vivint handles everything in-house—from sales to installation to monitoring. This vertical integration allows them to offer some of the most seamless smart home integration I've tested, with proprietary equipment designed specifically for their ecosystem.
What many homeowners don't realize is that many local security companies use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com provides the backend platform for numerous local dealers nationwide, while ADT maintains its own proprietary monitoring infrastructure.
As someone who considers myself technically inclined, I was humbled by what I learned watching professionals install these systems. There are countless "tricks of the trade" that professionals know that DIYers simply don't:
Common DIY mistakes I've seen include placing motion sensors too low (triggering pet alarms), installing door sensors improperly (creating false alarms), and positioning cameras where they're easily disabled or have significant blind spots.
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
While Prescott Valley enjoys lower crime rates than national averages (property crime 60% lower, violent crime 57% lower), security systems provide value beyond just crime prevention. For the 71.6% of residents who rent, portable security options provide protection without permanent modifications.
Even in safe communities, security systems serve as both deterrents and documentation if incidents do occur. They also provide invaluable peace of mind when you're away from home enjoying Arizona's natural beauty.
After testing multiple systems and speaking with dozens of homeowners, I've found that while local companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
These national providers offer battle-tested systems, dedicated monitoring centers with redundant backups, and the financial stability to honor long-term warranties and service agreements.
Whatever you choose, prioritize professional installation. The expertise of a trained installer is the foundation upon which your entire security system rests. In my testing, professionally installed systems consistently outperformed DIY setups in reliability, effectiveness, and user satisfaction.
Your family's safety is too important to leave to chance or amateur installation. Make the call today to ensure your Prescott Valley home is truly secure.
Prescott Valley has a population of 97,901 and is located in Yavapai County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $54,315. Median home value is $259,267, and the median rent is $1,061/month. With a median age of 47.4 years old, 22% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 16.7% having an income over $100,000. 51.2% 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.
