Have you ever wondered if that security system you're considering would actually protect your family when it matters most? I did too—which is why I took the extreme step of having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
San Tan Valley offers residents stunning desert landscapes and mountain views that capture Arizona's natural beauty. The community has grown rapidly in recent years, attracting families looking for more affordable housing options outside Phoenix.
But paradise comes with a price. In 2025, property crime rates in San Tan Valley are 49% higher than the national average, while violent crime rates exceed the national average by a shocking 64%. With a crime grade of 0, security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for both the homeowners and the 78.5% of residents who rent.
After spending months testing the most popular security systems on the market, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and share what actually matters when securing your San Tan Valley home.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best choice. However, the most expensive system isn't automatically superior either. What matters is the relationship between value and reliability.
Think of it like buying tires for your car. The ultra-budget options might save money today but cost you more in the long run. Meanwhile, the premium options might include features you'll never use. The sweet spot is finding a system that offers dependable protection at a reasonable price point.
After testing numerous systems, I've found that certain features dramatically improve your daily experience. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most frequently used—and appreciated—components of modern security systems.
Picture this: You're at work when you receive a notification that someone's at your door. With a quick tap, you can see it's just a package delivery, use two-way audio to give instructions, and even open your garage remotely if needed. These aren't just security features; they're convenience tools that transform how you interact with your home.
In 2025, both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offer particularly impressive implementations of these features, with intuitive interfaces that even your tech-averse relatives can master.
A properly installed security system isn't just about deterring break-ins—it's comprehensive protection. Modern systems monitor for fire, carbon monoxide, water leaks, and even medical emergencies. When seconds count during a fire, having professional monitoring can literally be the difference between life and death.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically in 2025. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a prowler and your neighbor's cat with remarkable accuracy. Facial recognition technology can alert you when your children arrive home safely from school. Voice control integration has become seamless across platforms.
However, some security principles remain timeless:
The most effective systems blend cutting-edge technology with these fundamental security principles.
ADT operates through a network of six monitoring centers across North America, providing redundancy that ensures your home remains protected even if one center experiences issues. When you call for service or monitoring, you're connecting with these ADT-owned facilities.
However, when you purchase an "ADT system," you might actually be working with SafeStreets, an authorized dealer. These dealers sell, install, and service ADT equipment under strict guidelines and training protocols established by ADT. Your contract is ultimately with ADT for monitoring, but your installation and initial service comes through the dealer.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. When you purchase a Vivint system, you're dealing directly with the company from sales through installation and monitoring. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but typically comes with higher upfront costs or longer contracts.
Where Vivint truly shines is their smart home integration. Their systems are designed as comprehensive home automation platforms first, with security as a core component rather than an afterthought.
Here's an industry secret: Many security companies use identical monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers numerous local and regional security providers, while ADT uses their proprietary monitoring systems. This is why the actual monitoring experience can be similar across different companies—they're often using the same underlying technology.
After watching professionals install five different systems in my home, I can confidently say that professional installation is worth every penny—even for technically inclined homeowners.
Professional installers understand subtle nuances that DIYers miss:
One installer showed me how a seemingly well-placed DIY sensor would miss certain entry attempts due to its angle—something I would never have considered.
The most frequent DIY installation mistakes include:
When it comes to protecting your family, these aren't mistakes worth making to save a few hundred dollars.
After months of testing and comparing systems, I've found that while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability and consistency provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
These national providers offer:
When it comes to protecting your family and property in a high-crime area like San Tan Valley, professional installation isn't just a convenience—it's an essential investment in proper security. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system was installed correctly by trained professionals is, quite simply, priceless.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance. Prioritize professional installation from a reputable provider, and rest easier knowing your home has the protection it deserves.
San Tan Valley has a population of 104,936 and is located in Pinal County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $74,455. Median home value is $228,148, and the median rent is $1,437/month. With a median age of 34.7 years old, 23% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 31.6% having an income over $100,000. 56.8% 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.
