Have you ever wondered if your home security system would actually protect you when it matters most? I did too, which is why I spent months testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you...
Inglewood is having a moment. With the spectacular SoFi Stadium, a revitalized downtown, and a rich cultural scene, this LA neighborhood is booming. But with growth comes challenges.
As someone who's spent countless hours analyzing security systems (yes, that's literally my job), I've watched Inglewood's security needs evolve. Property crime here runs about 18% higher than national averages, and unfortunately, violent crime sits at 62% above the national average. The city's overall crime grade is concerning, which is why both homeowners and the 36.1% of residents who rent need to think seriously about security.
But here's the thing – after having five different systems professionally installed in our test home, I've learned that most security companies are selling a mix of genuine protection and unnecessary bells and whistles. Let me help you cut through the noise.
When I talk to homeowners in Inglewood, they consistently mention three priorities:
After testing dozens of features across multiple systems, I can tell you that two stand out as absolute game-changers:
Video doorbells: This isn't just about security – it's about convenience. In our testing, this was the most frequently used feature by far. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere (especially in a neighborhood with property crime concerns) is invaluable.
Garage control: The ability to check if your garage is open and close it remotely was the second most-used feature. We've all had that moment of panic wondering "Did I close the garage?" Now you can check and fix it from anywhere.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have implemented these features exceptionally well in 2025. Their integrations are seamless and reliable – something that wasn't always true in earlier generations of security tech.
Here's my straightforward take: a good security system is an investment in reasonable protection. It won't make your home impenetrable (nothing will), but it dramatically reduces your chances of being targeted while providing early warning if something does happen.
Don't forget that modern systems also provide fire and carbon monoxide protection – which statistically might save more lives than intrusion detection.
The security landscape has evolved significantly in 2025. Today's cutting-edge features include:
But some aspects of security are timeless:
Here's an insider look at how these companies actually work:
ADT operates six monitoring centers across the US, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. They employ thousands of monitoring professionals who respond to alerts 24/7.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer – essentially a local installation company that sells ADT equipment and monitoring services. They handle the sales and installation, while ADT provides the monitoring and technology backbone. This arrangement gives you local service with national infrastructure.
Vivint takes a different approach. They're vertically integrated, meaning they handle everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This gives them tighter control over the customer experience and allows for deeper smart home integration. Their tech is often cutting-edge, but you'll pay a premium for it.
Here's something most security companies don't advertise: many local dealers use the same third-party monitoring centers. Alarm.com is a major platform that powers the backend of countless local security companies. This isn't necessarily bad – these monitoring centers are excellent – but it means the "local monitoring advantage" some companies advertise might not be what it seems.
After watching five professional installations and attempting DIY setups myself, I'm convinced professional installation is worth it for most homes. Here's why:
Professional installers know things most homeowners don't:
When homeowners install systems themselves, I frequently see:
Your home's safety isn't the place to cut corners. Even if you're technically inclined, professional installation provides peace of mind that's worth the cost.
Based on our testing and research, here are your best options in Inglewood:
After all my testing, here's my honest take: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide a level of consistency, technology integration, and long-term stability that's hard to match.
For most Inglewood homeowners, the slightly higher cost of these established providers is worth it for the peace of mind. Remember, this is a system you're trusting with your family's safety – reliability matters more than saving a few dollars per month.
Whatever you choose, please prioritize professional installation. The expertise these pros bring ensures your system will work when you need it most – and that's something you can't put a price on.
Inglewood has a population of 109,309 and is located in Los Angeles County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $58,536. Median home value is $553,475, and the median rent is $1,414/month. With a median age of 37.1 years old, 22.1% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 25.7% having an income over $100,000. 35.2% 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.
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions - Affiliate Policy
Home Security
© Copyright 2008-2026.
11816 Inwood Rd #1211, Dallas, TX 75244