Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you, or just giving you a false sense of security? I did too, which is why I spent the last year testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Sterling Heights is known for its beautiful parks, excellent schools, and tight-knit community feel. It's consistently ranked as one of the safest large cities in Michigan. But here's the reality check: no community is immune to security concerns.
Even though Sterling Heights boasts property crime rates 56% lower than the national average and violent crime rates 55% below average (earning an impressive crime grade of 9.5), homeowners and the 74.4% of residents who rent still need to think about security. Why? Because when it comes to your family's safety, even small risks are worth addressing.
After living with multiple security systems in our test home, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and help you understand what really matters when choosing a security system installer in 2025.
When I first started testing security systems, I assumed the most expensive options would automatically be the best. That's not always true. What matters most is the relationship between what you pay and what you get.
The sweet spot isn't necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive system—it's the one that provides reliable protection without unnecessary bells and whistles you'll never use. Think of it like buying a car: you need reliable transportation, not necessarily a Ferrari.
After a year of testing, I can tell you with certainty: video doorbells and garage control are the features homeowners actually use daily. These aren't just security features—they're lifestyle upgrades.
Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking if you closed the garage after leaving for work provides practical convenience that goes beyond security. In our testing, ADT's integration with Google Nest doorbell cameras and Vivint's garage door controls were standouts that genuinely improved daily life.
Security isn't just about preventing break-ins. It's about comprehensive safety, including fire detection. The systems that impressed me most offered seamless integration of security and fire safety, creating a complete safety net for your home.
Remember: you're not just buying equipment—you're investing in peace of mind. The right system lets you sleep better at night and enjoy life more fully during the day.
It's 2025, and security technology has never been more advanced or user-friendly. Today's systems offer:
But some aspects of security remain timeless: reliable monitoring, quality installation, and responsive customer service will never go out of style. The best installers combine cutting-edge technology with these fundamental principles.
ADT operates their own UL-listed monitoring centers across North America, providing 24/7 monitoring with redundant systems. When your alarm triggers, it connects to these centers where trained professionals assess the situation and dispatch emergency services if needed.
SafeStreets is an authorized dealer for ADT. This means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment, but your monitoring contract is with ADT itself. SafeStreets handles the customer acquisition and installation, while ADT provides the backbone monitoring service.
This arrangement gives you the stability of ADT with the often more personalized service of a dealer network.
Vivint takes a different approach. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their own systems through a direct sales model. This vertical integration allows them to control the entire customer experience and offer tight smart home integration that feels seamless.
Their approach focuses heavily on creating a comprehensive smart home ecosystem where security is just one component of a larger automation platform.
Many local security companies in Sterling Heights actually operate as authorized dealers for larger companies like ADT. They must meet the same standards and requirements as other authorized dealers.
What's less known is that many security companies—both national and local—use the same central monitoring platforms. Alarm.com provides the technology backbone for many local dealers nationwide, while ADT uses their proprietary monitoring infrastructure.
After watching five different professional installations of security systems in our test home, I'm convinced: professional installation is worth every penny, even if you consider yourself tech-savvy.
Professional installers understand nuances that DIYers miss:
I've seen homeowners place motion sensors too low (hello, false alarms from pets), install door sensors improperly (creating gaps in protection), and position cameras where they're easily disabled. These mistakes don't just reduce effectiveness—they create dangerous security gaps.
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
While Sterling Heights enjoys crime rates significantly below national averages (property crime is 56% lower and violent crime is 55% lower than average), security remains important. The city's excellent crime grade of 9.5 reflects its safety, but no community is immune to security concerns.
Both homeowners and the 74.4% of residents who rent benefit from security systems—not just for protection against crime, but for fire safety, package delivery monitoring, and daily convenience features that enhance quality of life.
After a year of testing different systems, here's my honest take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
These national providers offer:
When it comes to your family's safety, the peace of mind that comes from working with established security providers is invaluable. Don't compromise on professional installation—it's the foundation upon which your entire security system rests.
Your home deserves nothing less than expert protection installed by professionals who understand the nuances of home security. After all, when it comes to keeping your loved ones safe, "good enough" simply isn't good enough.
Sterling Heights has a population of 132,296 and is located in Macomb County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $66,346. Median home value is $198,274, and the median rent is $1,051/month. With a median age of 40.7 years old, 30% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 29.2% having an income over $100,000. 52.5% 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.
