Have you ever wondered if your home security system would actually stop an intruder, or is it just providing a false sense of security? After testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house, I discovered some shocking truths about what works—and what's just marketing hype.
Hollywood, Florida offers that perfect blend of beach-town charm and urban convenience that makes it such a desirable place to live. With its stunning boardwalk and year-round perfect weather, it's no wonder so many are choosing to call it home. But paradise isn't immune to reality—and the reality is that property crime here runs about 8% higher than the national average.
That's why our team spent the last year testing every major security system available in Hollywood. We had professionals install five different systems in our test home, lived with each one, and discovered what actually matters versus what's just flashy marketing. Let me share what we learned so you can make a truly informed decision about protecting your home.
After months of testing, we found that homeowners care about three key things:
You don't need to spend a fortune, but the cheapest option is rarely the best. The sweet spot is finding a system where reliability matches what you're paying. In our testing, we found systems priced between $30-50/month with professional monitoring hit this balance perfectly.
Surprisingly, the features homeowners use most aren't the advanced security sensors—they're the convenience features. Video doorbells and garage door controllers were used multiple times daily in our test home, while the actual alarm was rarely triggered. In 2025, these aren't luxury add-ons anymore; they're essential components that transform a security system into something you'll actually use and appreciate every day.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offer exceptional implementations of these features, with intuitive interfaces that even the least tech-savvy family members could master.
The most valuable aspect of a professional security system isn't tangible—it's the peace of mind knowing you've taken reasonable steps to protect your family. This includes not just intrusion protection but comprehensive safety: fire detection, carbon monoxide monitoring, and flood sensors that can prevent catastrophic damage while you're away.
It's 2025, and security technology has made some impressive leaps:
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
This is where things get interesting—and where most homeowners get confused.
ADT operates six redundant monitoring centers across the US, employing thousands of trained professionals who respond to alarms 24/7. They've been in business for 147 years (not a typo!) and have refined their monitoring protocols through decades of experience.
SafeStreets isn't ADT—they're an authorized dealer. This means they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but they're a separate company. Your contract is with ADT for monitoring, but SafeStreets handles your installation and initial service. This arrangement allows for more localized service while maintaining ADT's monitoring standards.
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 entire experience but sometimes at a higher price point. Their smart home integration is currently the most seamless in the industry.
Many local security companies in Hollywood are actually authorized dealers for larger brands. They must meet the same installation standards and often use identical equipment, but with a local touch. What's less known is that many local companies don't operate their own monitoring centers—they contract with the same central stations used by national brands.
Behind the scenes, Alarm.com provides the technology platform that powers many security systems nationwide. This means your local dealer might be using the exact same backend technology as a national brand, just with different branding.
After watching five professional installations in our test home, I'm convinced: professional installation is worth every penny, even for tech-savvy homeowners. Here's why:
Professional installers know things you don't:
The most frequent DIY mistakes we've seen:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to learn through trial and error.
Based on our extensive testing and research, here are your best options in Hollywood:
While Hollywood enjoys violent crime rates 11% lower than the national average, property crime runs 8% higher—earning the city a crime grade of 4 out of 10. This makes home security particularly relevant for both the 43.1% who own homes and the 56.9% who rent.
Rental properties are actually targeted more frequently than owned homes, making security systems increasingly important for tenants. Many of today's wireless systems can be installed without permanent modifications, making them renter-friendly.
After a year of testing, here's my honest take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability and consistency provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
The difference comes down to standardized installation practices, consistent monitoring protocols, and the resources to continuously update technology. When something goes wrong at 2 AM, you want a company with the infrastructure to respond immediately.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance. Schedule a professional installation with a reputable provider, and sleep better knowing it's been done right. Your peace of mind is worth it.
Hollywood has a population of 153,834 and is located in Broward County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $54,317. Median home value is $279,596, and the median rent is $1,262/month. With a median age of 40.6 years old, 28.5% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 23% having an income over $100,000. 42.1% 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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