Have you ever wondered if that DIY security system you installed is actually protecting your family? Or if those sensors you placed are in the optimal positions to detect an intruder? I've asked myself these same questions, which is why I went to the extreme of having 5 different security systems professionally installed in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Virginia Beach is a coastal gem where oceanfront living meets suburban comfort. With its pristine beaches and vibrant community, it's no wonder so many people call this place home. But even in this slice of paradise, security concerns exist.
While Virginia Beach boasts impressive safety statistics (property crime is 23% lower than the national average, and violent crime is a remarkable 75% below the national average), no community is immune to security threats. That's why in 2025, home security remains a priority for both the homeowners and the 64.7% of residents who rent.
After testing multiple systems in our test facility and living with them in our own homes, I'm here to cut through the marketing hype and help you understand what really matters when choosing a security system installer in Virginia Beach.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Think of it like buying tires for your car – you could save money upfront with budget options, but is that really where you want to cut corners?
In my testing, I found that systems from established providers like ADT (installed by SafeStreets) and Vivint delivered the most consistent reliability. Their equipment simply worked when it needed to, with fewer false alarms and connectivity issues than budget alternatives.
Here's something that surprised me during my testing: the features homeowners use most aren't necessarily the core security components. Video doorbells and garage control topped the list of "most used" features across all systems.
In 2025, these aren't just nice-to-haves – they're must-haves. Imagine being able to:
Both ADT (with their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have perfected these integrations, making them seamless parts of your daily routine rather than separate "security features."
When you install a security system, you're not just buying equipment – you're investing in peace of mind. This includes protection against break-ins, but also fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and medical emergencies.
The most reasonable approach isn't to fortify your home like Fort Knox, but rather to implement smart, strategic security measures that address real risks without breaking the bank.
Security technology has evolved dramatically, but some principles remain constant.
What's New in 2025:
What Remains Timeless:
This is where things get interesting – and where most homeowners are in the dark.
ADT is the largest and oldest security provider in the United States, with six monitoring centers across the country. However, when you call "ADT," you're often actually dealing with SafeStreets, which is an ADT authorized dealer.
What does this mean? SafeStreets handles the sales, installation, and initial customer service, while ADT provides the monitoring services and technology. It's similar to how car dealerships work with manufacturers.
Vivint operates differently. They're a vertically integrated company that handles everything from manufacturing their own equipment to installation and monitoring. This gives them tighter control over the customer experience and allows for deeper smart home integration.
Many local security companies in Virginia Beach are actually authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. They must meet the same standards and requirements as national dealers like SafeStreets.
What's less known is that many security companies – both national and local – use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com is a major platform used by many local dealers nationwide, while ADT uses its own proprietary monitoring centers.
After watching professionals install five different systems in my home, I can confidently say: there's an art to proper security installation that most DIYers miss.
Professional installers know:
I've seen homeowners make these critical errors:
When it comes to your family's safety, these details matter. Professional installation typically adds $200-400 to your initial cost, but it's one of the best investments you can make.
With a crime grade of 9 (where 10 is safest), Virginia Beach is significantly safer than most American cities. Property crime is 23% lower than the national average, while violent crime is an impressive 75% below the national average.
However, these statistics don't mean security is unnecessary. Even in safe communities, targeted property crimes occur. Security systems serve both as deterrents and as documentation tools if the worst happens.
After my extensive testing, here's my honest take: while local companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
Local companies can provide excellent service, but they often lack the resources for rapid response to service issues or the advanced technology platforms of the major providers.
Whatever you choose, please don't cut corners on professional installation. The few hundred dollars you might save doing it yourself could cost you much more in compromised security or, worse, a security failure when you need protection most.
Your Virginia Beach home deserves professional-grade security installed by professionals who know exactly what they're doing. After all, when it comes to protecting what matters most, why settle for anything less?
Virginia Beach has a population of 1,475,522 and is located in Virginia Beach County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $78,136. Median home value is $287,523, and the median rent is $1,380/month. With a median age of 36.4 years old, 37.2% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 37.2% having an income over $100,000. 51.7% 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.
