Have you ever woken up at 3 AM to that heart-stopping sound you can't quite identify? Is it the wind, a raccoon... or something more concerning? In those moments, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home security system has your back is absolutely priceless.
Torrance is a gem of the South Bay, with its perfect blend of suburban charm and coastal vibes. The weather is practically perfect year-round, and the community has that rare small-town feel despite being part of the massive LA metro area. But even in this slice of SoCal paradise, security concerns remain.
After spending the last year testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house (yes, my neighbors think I'm paranoid), I've learned a ton about what actually matters versus what's just marketing hype. In 2025, security technology has evolved dramatically, but so have the tactics of those who might target your home.
Let me cut through the noise and help you figure out what's actually worth your investment.
When I talk to homeowners about security, they almost always start by asking about price. But after testing multiple systems, I've found the real question should be about value. The cheapest system that fails when you need it most is actually the most expensive option of all.
The sweet spot is finding a system with reliable performance that doesn't require you to refinance your home. National providers like ADT (installed by SafeStreets) and Vivint have proven track records, while some local installers can offer comparable reliability at competitive prices.
Here's something the industry doesn't talk about enough: the security features you'll use daily aren't necessarily the ones that prevent break-ins.
From my testing, video doorbells and garage control features get used 10x more than any other component. In 2025, these aren't just nice-to-haves—they're essentials. I can't count how many times I've used my doorbell camera to tell delivery drivers where to leave packages or checked if I closed the garage door after leaving for work.
Both ADT (with their Google Nest integration) and Vivint have absolutely nailed these everyday features. Their doorbell cameras offer crystal-clear video even at night, and the garage controls are seamlessly integrated into their apps.
Security isn't just about preventing break-ins—it's about comprehensive protection. Modern systems now integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak sensors, and even medical alerts. When my neighbor's water heater burst while they were on vacation, their security system's water sensors alerted them before catastrophic damage occurred.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically. In 2025, we're seeing:
But some aspects of security remain timeless: proper sensor placement, reliable monitoring, and quick response times. These fundamentals haven't changed in decades and still form the backbone of effective home security.
This is where things get interesting (and a bit confusing).
ADT is the 800-pound gorilla of home security, with monitoring centers across the country and over 140 years in business. But here's what most people don't realize: when you call "ADT," you're often actually calling SafeStreets, an authorized dealer.
SafeStreets is essentially a franchise that sells, installs, and services ADT systems. They follow ADT's standards and connect to ADT's monitoring centers, but they're technically a separate company. This isn't necessarily bad—many SafeStreets technicians I've met have been installing systems for decades.
Vivint takes a different approach. They're vertically integrated, meaning they design their equipment, handle their own installations, and run their own monitoring centers. This gives them tighter control over the customer experience, which I've found results in more consistent quality but sometimes at a premium price.
Their smart home integration is arguably the most seamless in the industry in 2025, especially if you want everything to work together without a hodgepodge of apps.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers a huge percentage of local security dealers nationwide, while ADT and Vivint use proprietary platforms.
This means the actual technology behind many systems is surprisingly similar—the differences often come down to installation quality, customer service, and pricing models.
As someone who's built computers since childhood, I initially thought I could DIY my security system. I was wrong.
Professional installers know things you don't even know you don't know:
When I attempted my own installation before calling in the pros, I made several critical errors:
For renters with simpler needs, Simplisafe offers a good middle ground—it's designed for easier DIY installation while still providing decent protection. But for homeowners, professional installation is worth every penny.
Let's talk about what's actually happening in Torrance. Property crime is about 5% higher than the national average, but violent crime is a whopping 51% lower. Overall, Torrance earns a crime grade of 8 out of 10 (with 10 being safest).
This matters for both the 45.4% who own homes and the 54.6% who rent. Property crimes like burglary and package theft affect everyone, and security systems have been proven to deter these crimes.
After living with multiple systems and dealing with various installers, here's my honest take:
While local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability and consistency of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide a level of peace of mind that's worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
Local installers can be excellent options, especially if you want a company that handles multiple home technologies (security, audio/video, networking, etc.) under one roof. Just be sure to check their monitoring partnerships and response protocols.
Whatever you decide, please don't skimp on professional installation. The few hundred dollars you might save doing it yourself could cost you thousands if your system fails when you need it most. Your family's safety is worth the investment in getting it done right the first time.
What's your next step? Get quotes from at least three installers, ask detailed questions about their monitoring and response procedures, and choose a partner who makes you feel confident about your home's protection. Your 3 AM peace of mind depends on it.
Torrance has a population of 144,430 and is located in Los Angeles County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $94,781. Median home value is $795,827, and the median rent is $1,803/month. With a median age of 41.8 years old, 51.7% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 47.4% having an income over $100,000. 53.4% 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.
