Have you ever wondered if the security measures you've taken for your home are actually effective, or just giving you a false sense of security? The answer might surprise you – and it could be the difference between a deterred intruder and a successful break-in.
San Bernardino offers residents stunning mountain vistas and a vibrant community with rich cultural diversity. But beneath this appealing exterior lies a concerning reality: property crime rates 43% above the national average and violent crime rates a staggering 261% higher than the national average. In 2025, these statistics make home security not just a luxury, but a necessity.
I've spent the last year testing professional security installations in our test house – yes, we had five different systems professionally installed in the same property. Why? To cut through the marketing hype and give you the unfiltered truth about what works, what doesn't, and what you actually need to keep your family safe. Let me share what I've learned.
After countless conversations with homeowners and security professionals, I've found that reliability trumps fancy features every time. A system that works consistently without false alarms is worth far more than one with bells and whistles that fails when you need it most.
The sweet spot is finding a system that offers dependable protection at a reasonable price point. National providers like SafeStreets (ADT's authorized dealer) and Vivint have proven track records, while some local installers can offer comparable reliability with more personalized service.
Here's something I didn't expect to discover: the features homeowners use most aren't always the ones marketed heaviest. Based on our testing, video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most-used and most-valued features.
In 2025, these aren't just conveniences – they're essential. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or confirming your garage is closed while at work provides tangible daily peace of mind. Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have perfected these integrations, making them seamless and intuitive.
Security isn't just about preventing break-ins – it's about comprehensive protection. The best systems now integrate fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and even water leak monitoring. This holistic approach means you're protected from multiple threats, not just intruders.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically. Today's systems feature AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles, dramatically reducing false alarms. Mobile apps have become incredibly intuitive, allowing granular control over your entire system.
However, some aspects of security remain timeless: strategic sensor placement, backup power systems, and professional monitoring are as important in 2025 as they were decades ago.
What's changed most is integration. Your security system is now the backbone of your smart home, controlling everything from lights to thermostats to door locks – all while providing protection.
ADT operates through a network of authorized dealers like SafeStreets. This means SafeStreets handles sales and installation, while ADT provides the monitoring through their six redundant monitoring centers across the US.
This relationship ensures consistent quality standards – SafeStreets must adhere to ADT's strict requirements for installation and service. When you sign up with SafeStreets, your contract is with ADT, and your monitoring comes directly from their centers.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct-to-consumer model. They handle everything in-house: sales, installation, equipment manufacturing, and monitoring. This vertical integration allows them to control the entire customer experience and rapidly deploy new technology.
Their smart home integration is particularly impressive – in our testing, their system offered the most seamless control of connected devices.
Here's an industry secret: many local security dealers use the same monitoring platform – Alarm.com. This platform powers the backend of countless security systems nationwide, providing the infrastructure for monitoring and mobile app control.
ADT uses their proprietary monitoring centers, while many local dealers rely on Alarm.com or similar third-party monitoring services. This isn't necessarily bad – these platforms are robust and reliable – but it's something to be aware of when comparing providers.
After watching professionals install five different systems in our test house, I can confidently say: professional installation is worth every penny, even for tech-savvy homeowners.
Professional installers know things you don't – like the optimal height for motion sensors to avoid pet triggers while catching human movement, or how to position door sensors to prevent tampering. They understand the radio frequency environment in your home and how to ensure reliable wireless communication.
During our testing, I watched professionals identify and address potential security vulnerabilities I would have completely missed – blind spots in coverage, approach angles to windows, and tamper risks.
The most frequent DIY mistakes include improper sensor placement, inadequate coverage of entry points, and failure to secure the system's control panel. These errors can create security gaps that render your system ineffective when you need it most.
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
• SafeStreets (ADT Authorized Dealer): Offering ADT's industry-leading monitoring with professional installation and a wide range of equipment options. Their technicians are thoroughly vetted and trained to ADT's standards, ensuring consistent quality.
• Vivint: Their cutting-edge smart home technology and seamless integration make them ideal for tech-forward homeowners. Their installation professionals are company employees (not contractors), resulting in consistently high-quality installations.
• Simplisafe: The best option for renters, offering flexible, no-contract security with optional professional installation. Their systems can move with you when your lease ends.
• Security Eco: Offers comprehensive security systems, home network installation, and home automation services.
• Main Tech Systems: Specializes in home theater installation alongside security systems and home network setup.
• Security Screen Doors: Focuses on physical security systems at 15851 Pounders Dr.
• ATI: Affordable Technology: Provides home theater installation, security systems, and home automation at 1254 S Waterman Ave.
• It Guru: Offers IT services, computer repair, web design, and security systems.
• Tech Time: Specializes in IT services, computer repair, security systems, and home automation at 7091 Perris Hill Rd.
With property crime 43% above the national average and violent crime a shocking 261% higher than the national average, San Bernardino earns a crime grade of 0 – the lowest possible rating. These statistics make home security essential for both the 51.4% who own homes and the 48.6% who rent.
Security systems not only protect your property but can reduce insurance premiums and provide documentation in case of incidents. For renters, portable systems like Simplisafe offer protection without permanent modifications.
After a year of testing and living with these systems, here's my verdict: while local companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the reliability, consistent standards, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint justify their slightly higher costs for most homeowners.
National providers offer proven monitoring infrastructure, consistent installation standards, and established support systems that simply work when you need them most.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance – prioritize professional installation from a reputable provider. The few hundred dollars you might save going DIY won't seem like much if your system fails when you need it most.
San Bernardino has a population of 216,784 and is located in San Bernardino County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $49,287. Median home value is $268,898, and the median rent is $1,109/month. With a median age of 30.9 years old, 11.8% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 18.2% having an income over $100,000. 36.5% 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.
