Have you ever wondered if that fancy security system you're eyeing would actually stop a break-in, or just give you a high-definition video of someone stealing your stuff? I have, which is why I've spent the last year testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Westminster, Colorado offers stunning mountain views and excellent parks (have you seen the Butterfly Pavilion?), but like any growing suburb of Denver, it's not immune to security concerns.
While residents enjoy the community feel, the property crime rate is actually 81% higher than the national average. That's a statistic that made me sit up and take notice during our testing process.
As someone who's had every major security system professionally installed in the same test home, I've learned to cut through the marketing hype. In 2025, security technology is more advanced than ever, but what actually matters might not be what you think.
After months of testing, I've found that the cheapest system isn't always the best value. The real equation is: reliability + usability + response time = actual value.
When your garage door sensor falsely triggers at 3 AM for the fifth time, you'll wish you'd paid a bit more for equipment that works consistently. Trust me, I've been there, bleary-eyed, trying to convince a monitoring center that no, there isn't actually an intruder in my garage.
Here's something the security companies don't always emphasize: the features you'll use daily aren't always the "security" features.
The video doorbell and garage control are consistently the most-used components of any system we tested. Being able to see who's at your door from your phone or open your garage remotely for a delivery has become essential, not optional.
In our testing, ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offered the most seamless implementations of these everyday conveniences.
A security system is ultimately an investment in peace of mind. It's about doing the most reasonable thing possible to protect your family and property.
Don't forget that modern systems also integrate fire safety. In a city like Westminster where winter heating increases fire risks, this dual protection is invaluable.
It's 2025, and security technology has made impressive leaps:
But some aspects of security are timeless:
This is where I'll pull back the curtain on how these companies actually work—something they don't advertise.
ADT is the largest security monitoring company in the US, but they don't install most of their systems directly. Instead, they authorize dealers like SafeStreets to sell and install ADT-branded equipment.
When you call SafeStreets, you're getting ADT monitoring and equipment, but installation and initial service through an authorized partner. Your monitoring still goes through ADT's six redundant monitoring centers across the US.
Vivint operates differently. They manufacture their own equipment, employ their own installers, and run their own monitoring centers. This vertical integration allows for tighter control over the customer experience but sometimes at a higher price point.
Their smart home integration is among the best I've tested, with particularly smooth control of thermostats, locks, and lighting.
Many local Westminster security companies are actually ADT authorized dealers operating under their own brand names. They're bound by the same ADT requirements and standards but may offer more personalized service.
Here's an industry secret: many security companies use the same central monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers the backend for numerous local and regional security providers. When a sensor triggers, it's often the same technology routing that alert, regardless of whose name is on your bill.
As someone who considers myself technically inclined, I was humbled by what I learned watching professional installers work.
Professional installers know things that aren't in any manual:
During our testing, I attempted to reinstall some components myself and made several critical errors:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners.
Based on our extensive testing and research, here are your best options in Westminster:
Local Westminster options include:
Westminster's property crime rate is 81% higher than the national average, while violent crime is 26% lower than the national average. The city has a crime grade of just 2 out of 10.
These statistics matter for both homeowners and the 65.1% of residents who rent. Renters are actually more likely to experience break-ins, making security systems like Simplisafe particularly valuable for this large segment of Westminster's population.
After a year of testing, here's my honest take: while local Westminster companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological edge provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by companies with decades of experience and 24/7 monitoring centers with redundant power and communication systems is invaluable.
Whatever you choose, please don't skimp on professional installation. The few hundred dollars you might save doing it yourself could cost you far more in the long run. Your family's safety is worth the investment in getting it done right the first time.
Westminster has a population of 114,832 and is located in Adams County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $76,378. Median home value is $363,415, and the median rent is $1,472/month. With a median age of 37.2 years old, 39.3% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 37% having an income over $100,000. 48.4% 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.
