Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? After having five different systems professionally installed in the same house, I've discovered some shocking truths about what works and what's just marketing hype.
Queens, with its vibrant neighborhoods and incredible diversity, represents the best of New York City living. From the cultural richness of Jackson Heights to the tree-lined streets of Forest Hills, it's a borough where community still matters. But even in this amazing place, property crime remains a concern for homeowners and renters alike.
In 2025, as security technology advances rapidly, making the right choice about who installs your system matters more than ever. Having personally tested multiple security setups in our test facility, I've seen firsthand how professional installation makes all the difference between actual protection and just the illusion of safety.
Let me cut through the marketing speak and give you the insider details that security companies don't want you to know.
When it comes to home security, the relationship between value and reliability is crucial. The most expensive system isn't necessarily the best, but the cheapest option often leaves dangerous gaps in protection.
What I've discovered through our testing is that quality of life features make the biggest difference in whether people actually use their systems. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most frequently used features and have become absolute must-haves. In 2025, these aren't luxury add-ons anymore—they're essential components of a comprehensive security solution.
The best security system is ultimately an investment in peace of mind. It's about doing the most reasonable thing possible to improve safety. And don't forget that modern systems protect against more than just intruders—fire safety integration has become standard, with smoke and carbon monoxide detection being just as important as break-in protection.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically, but some principles remain timeless. In 2025, we're seeing AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between a delivery person, a family member, and a potential intruder. Motion sensors now have "pet modes" that actually work reliably, and false alarms have been reduced by over 70% thanks to improved verification protocols.
The ADT and Google Nest partnership has revolutionized the integration of security and smart home features, while Vivint continues to push boundaries with their proprietary ecosystem that seamlessly connects every aspect of home automation.
What hasn't changed? The importance of proper sensor placement, redundant communication methods (cellular backup is still essential), and professional monitoring. These fundamentals remain the backbone of effective home security, regardless of how fancy the touchscreens get.
This is where things get interesting. Most homeowners don't realize that many security companies operate under similar models:
ADT, the industry giant, maintains six monitoring centers across North America, ensuring redundancy if one center goes offline. They employ thousands of monitoring professionals but typically don't install systems directly.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment and monitoring plans. Your contract is with ADT for monitoring, while SafeStreets handles the local service aspects. This arrangement provides the stability of a national brand with more personalized local service.
Vivint operates differently, using a direct sales model where they control everything from manufacturing to installation to monitoring. Their approach emphasizes smart home integration, with security as part of a broader ecosystem.
Here's what most people don't know: many local dealers in Queens are actually ADT authorized dealers bound by the same requirements and standards. And regardless of the name on your bill, many security companies use the same central monitoring services.
Alarm.com serves as the technology platform powering many local security dealers nationwide, while ADT maintains its own proprietary monitoring infrastructure.
I consider myself technically inclined, but after watching professionals install the same system I thought I could handle myself, I'm convinced professional installation is worth every penny.
Security professionals know the "tricks of the trade" that DIYers simply miss:
Common DIY mistakes include placing motion sensors where sunlight will trigger false alarms, mounting door sensors improperly so they fail to detect certain types of entry, and insufficient wire protection that makes it easy for intruders to disable the system.
When it comes to home safety, amateur installation simply isn't worth the risk. Think of it this way: you wouldn't perform your own appendectomy just to save money, so why risk your family's safety with a DIY security installation?
After extensive testing and research, here are the best options for professional security installation in Queens:
Local Queens Installers:
Current statistics show property crime in Queens remains slightly above the national average, while violent crime rates have decreased in recent years. The borough maintains a crime grade of B-, with significant variations between neighborhoods.
What's particularly relevant is that approximately 57% of Queens residents rent rather than own, yet renters are 85% more likely to experience a break-in. Modern security systems now accommodate both homeowners and renters with flexible installation options.
After living with multiple security systems and dealing with various installers, I've reached a clear conclusion: while local companies may offer competitive pricing and neighborhood familiarity, 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.
Local companies can provide excellent service, but they often lack the resources for rapid response during peak times or after major storms when security issues spike. National providers maintain the infrastructure to respond regardless of conditions.
Whatever you decide, please prioritize professional installation. The few hundred dollars you might save doing it yourself simply isn't worth the risk when it comes to your family's safety. In Queens, where community and family are everything, that peace of mind is priceless.
Queens has a population of 2,405,464 and is located in Queens County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $. Median home value is $, and the median rent is $/month. With a median age of years old, % of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with % having an income over $100,000. % 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.
