Ever wonder if that strange noise at night is just the house settling, or something more concerning? In Salisbury, Maryland, that question might keep more residents awake than you'd think.
Salisbury has a lot going for it - a charming downtown, proximity to beautiful coastal areas, and a tight-knit community feel. But behind the picturesque Eastern Shore setting lies a sobering reality: the city faces significant security challenges.
As someone who's spent the last year testing home security systems (yes, I had 5 different professional installations in the same house - my neighbors probably think I'm paranoid), I've learned to cut through the marketing hype and identify what actually matters for homeowners.
Let me share what I discovered about securing your Salisbury home in 2025, based on real-world testing and insider knowledge of how these companies actually operate.
After months of testing, I've found that the most expensive system isn't necessarily the best. What matters is reliability - will your system work when you need it most? The sweet spot is finding a system that balances cost with dependable performance.
In my testing, both SafeStreets (an ADT authorized dealer) and Vivint consistently delivered on reliability, with minimal false alarms and quick response times.
Here's something the security companies don't always emphasize: the features you'll use most aren't necessarily the "security" features. In my year of testing, I found that video doorbells and garage control were by far the most frequently used components.
Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere, letting in a delivery person remotely, or checking if you closed the garage door after leaving - these conveniences quickly become indispensable. The 2025 implementations from ADT (with their Google Nest integration) and Vivint are particularly impressive in this regard.
When we talk about home security, we're really talking about peace of mind. Is your system doing the most reasonable thing possible to keep your family safe? This includes not just intrusion protection but fire safety as well.
Every system I tested offered smoke detector integration, but the professional installation made a significant difference in proper placement and reliability.
It's 2025, and security technology has never been more advanced or user-friendly. The latest systems feature:
But some aspects of security are timeless: proper sensor placement, reliable monitoring, and quick response times will always matter more than the latest gadget.
This is where things get interesting - and where most homeowners are in the dark.
ADT is the oldest and largest security provider in the US, but they don't actually install most of their systems. Instead, they work with authorized dealers like SafeStreets.
When you call SafeStreets, you're getting ADT equipment and monitoring, but installation and customer service come from SafeStreets. The benefit? ADT's six monitoring centers across the US provide redundancy that local companies simply can't match.
Vivint takes a different approach. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their systems directly. This vertical integration allows for tighter smart home integration and more control over the customer experience. Their sales model is direct-to-consumer, which sometimes results in aggressive sales tactics but also means no middleman.
Here's something that surprised me: many local security companies use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com is a major platform used by countless local dealers nationwide, while ADT maintains their own monitoring centers.
This means your local installer might be using the exact same monitoring service as a national brand - just with a different name on the bill.
As a tech enthusiast, I initially thought I could install a security system myself. I was wrong.
Professional installers know things that aren't in any manual:
In my research, I've seen homeowners make the same mistakes repeatedly:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners.
The statistics are sobering: property crime in Salisbury is 119% greater than the national average, while violent crime is 129% above average. The city has earned a crime grade of F, placing security concerns front and center for residents.
This affects not just homeowners but also the 27.5% of residents who rent. For renters, systems like Simplisafe offer protection without permanent installation requirements.
After a year of living with various systems, here's my straightforward advice: while local companies in Salisbury may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and advanced features provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint are worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by nationwide monitoring centers, consistent installation standards, and companies that will be around for years to come is invaluable.
Whatever you choose, don't skimp on professional installation. The few hundred dollars you might save doing it yourself could cost you far more in compromised security or false alarms down the road.
Your family's safety deserves professional expertise. In Salisbury's challenging security environment, that's not just a luxury—it's a necessity.
Salisbury has a population of 108,982 and is located in Wicomico County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $44,474. Median home value is $168,243, and the median rent is $1,061/month. With a median age of 29.2 years old, 28% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 17.2% having an income over $100,000. 26.1% 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.
