Have you ever wondered if that creaky back door or those old windows are basically rolling out the welcome mat for intruders? I know I have, especially after spending months testing home security systems in the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown's rich history and vibrant cultural scene make it one of Pennsylvania's gems. From the Liberty Bell Museum to the beautiful parks system, there's a lot to love about calling this city home. But even in the best communities, security remains a concern.
In 2025, Allentown's property crime rate sits at 17% above the national average, though violent crime matches the national average. With a crime grade of 3 (on a scale where 10 is safest), there's definitely room for improvement.
That's why our team decided to put five different professional security installations to the test in the same Allentown home. We wanted to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight facts about what works, what doesn't, and what's worth your hard-earned money.
After speaking with dozens of local homeowners, we've found three factors consistently top the priority list:
Nobody wants to overpay, but skimping on home security is a risky game. The sweet spot is finding systems that offer dependable protection without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up costs. Most Allentown homeowners we surveyed were willing to pay $40-60 monthly for comprehensive monitoring.
Surprisingly, the security features homeowners use most aren't the alarm systems themselves but the convenience features. Video doorbells have become practically essential, allowing you to see who's at your door whether you're upstairs or across town. Garage door control is another must-have, eliminating those "did I close the garage?" moments when you're already on the highway.
In our testing, ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offered the most intuitive and reliable implementations of these features.
Home security isn't just about deterring break-ins—it's about comprehensive protection. Modern systems integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, flood sensors, and even medical alerts. When you're protecting your family, doing what's reasonable rather than what's cheapest often makes the most sense.
The security landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing:
But some aspects of home security remain timeless:
The security industry can be confusing with its web of dealers, monitoring centers, and technology platforms. Here's the inside scoop:
ADT operates their own UL-listed monitoring centers across the country, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. However, most customers don't buy directly from ADT—they purchase through authorized dealers like SafeStreets.
SafeStreets is ADT's largest authorized dealer, meaning they sell, install, and service ADT equipment but the actual monitoring is handled by ADT's centers. They must meet ADT's training and installation standards, which generally ensures quality work.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct-to-consumer model. The same company that sells you the system also installs it and monitors it. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but sometimes at a premium price. Their smart home integration is among the best we've tested, with particularly smooth automation capabilities.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same handful of monitoring centers. Alarm.com provides the technology platform for thousands of local dealers nationwide, while ADT's monitoring infrastructure serves numerous white-label operations.
This means the actual emergency response may be nearly identical between a national brand and a local company—the differences often come down to installation quality, customer service, and equipment options.
As someone who's built computers from scratch and wired my own home network, I initially thought DIY security would be a breeze. I was wrong.
Professional installers bring several critical advantages:
Pros know exactly where to place motion sensors to avoid false alarms from pets or HVAC systems. They understand the optimal height and angle for cameras to maximize coverage while minimizing blind spots. They know which doors need recessed sensors versus surface-mounted ones.
In our testing, we found DIY installations frequently missed crucial vulnerabilities:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to learn through trial and error. Professional installers have seen hundreds of homes and know the common vulnerabilities specific to Allentown's housing styles.
After months of testing and living with these systems, here's my honest take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the consistency, technology integration, and reliability of national providers like SafeStreets and Vivint justify their slightly higher costs for most homeowners.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by nationwide infrastructure, 24/7 monitoring centers with redundant power and communication systems, and technicians trained to consistent standards is invaluable when it comes to protecting what matters most.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The expertise and proper setup provided by trained professionals can make the difference between a system that truly protects your home and one that just gives the illusion of security.
Your Allentown home deserves the best protection possible—make sure it gets it.
Allentown has a population of 688,658 and is located in Lehigh County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $43,816. Median home value is $135,994, and the median rent is $1,035/month. With a median age of 31.2 years old, 16.6% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 13.9% having an income over $100,000. 33.2% 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.
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