Have you ever wondered if that security system you're considering is actually protecting your family, or just making you feel protected? As someone who's had five different security systems professionally installed in the same house (yes, my neighbors think I'm paranoid), I've learned there's a massive difference between real security and security theater.
Vallejo has a lot going for it—gorgeous waterfront views, a rich maritime history, and that perfect balance of Bay Area access without the San Francisco price tag. But let's be real about something else: security matters here.
With property crime rates 70% higher than the national average and violent crime a whopping 155% above the national average (earning the city a crime grade of 0), both homeowners and the 57.1% of residents who rent need to think seriously about home security.
After testing every major system on the market in our test facility, I'm here to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight talk on what actually works to keep Vallejo homes safe in 2025.
When I talk to homeowners after a break-in, they never say, "I wish I'd saved $10 a month on monitoring." They say, "I wish my system had actually worked."
The cheapest option is rarely the best choice when it comes to protecting your family. But here's the thing—the most expensive isn't necessarily the answer either. You're looking for that sweet spot where reliability meets reasonable cost.
The security features you'll use most aren't the ones that catch burglars—they're the ones that make your life easier every day. In our testing, video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most-used features.
Imagine never missing a package delivery again or being able to let in a repair person remotely while you're at work. These aren't just conveniences; they're life-changers. Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have absolutely nailed these integrations in 2025.
A security system isn't just about stopping break-ins—it's about sleeping soundly. It's about not worrying when your teenager is home alone or when you're on vacation.
And don't forget fire safety. A good system integrates smoke and carbon monoxide detection with 24/7 monitoring. When a fire starts at 3 AM, you want professionals calling the fire department while you focus on getting your family out safely.
Security technology has made incredible leaps forward in 2025. AI-powered cameras can now distinguish between a prowler and your neighbor's cat with near-perfect accuracy. Facial recognition lets your system know who belongs and who doesn't.
But here's what hasn't changed: The fundamentals still matter. Door and window sensors. Motion detectors. Glass break sensors. Professional monitoring. These basics have been the backbone of home security for decades because they work.
The best systems combine cutting-edge tech with these proven fundamentals. Your video doorbell might be cool, but it won't help if someone breaks in through the back door.
SafeStreets is an authorized dealer for ADT, which means they sell and install ADT equipment and connect you to ADT's monitoring services. Think of it like a car dealership—they sell the product, but the manufacturer (ADT) provides the warranty and ongoing service.
ADT operates six monitoring centers across the US—all redundant, so if one goes down in a natural disaster, another takes over seamlessly. This infrastructure is something local companies simply can't match.
Vivint takes a different approach. They handle everything in-house—sales, installation, monitoring, and service. This vertical integration means fewer communication breakdowns but also typically comes with higher costs.
Their smart home integration is where Vivint really shines. If you want a system that controls not just security but lighting, climate, and entertainment, they're tough to beat in 2025.
Many local security companies in Vallejo are actually ADT authorized dealers operating under their own brand names. They're bound by ADT's standards and requirements but may offer different pricing structures or promotions.
Here's an industry secret: Many security companies, regardless of the name on your bill, use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com is the platform powering many local dealers nationwide, while ADT uses their proprietary system.
I've installed systems myself and had them professionally installed. The difference is night and day.
Professional installers know the "tricks of the trade" that DIYers miss—like the optimal height for motion sensors to avoid false alarms from pets, or how to position cameras to eliminate blind spots.
Common DIY mistakes include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.
After testing every major system and living with them in our own homes, here's my straight talk: While local companies may offer competitive pricing, the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most Vallejo homeowners.
When your home is broken into or there's smoke filling your hallway at 2 AM, you want a company with decades of experience handling these emergencies, not someone figuring it out as they go.
Whatever you choose, please don't try to install it yourself. Professional installation isn't just about convenience—it's about ensuring your system works when you need it most. The few hundred dollars you might save doing it yourself will seem trivial if your DIY system fails when your family's safety is on the line.
Your home is your sanctuary. Protect it properly.
Vallejo has a population of 177,255 and is located in Solano County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $73,869. Median home value is $403,462, and the median rent is $1,624/month. With a median age of 39.1 years old, 26.7% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 35.4% having an income over $100,000. 44.6% 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.
