Ever wonder if that security system you're considering is actually worth it, or just another flashy gadget that'll collect dust while you pay monthly fees? After having five different security systems professionally installed in the same house, I've got some eye-opening insights to share.
Nestled against the foothills with stunning mountain views and excellent outdoor recreation, Lakewood offers a fantastic quality of life for Colorado residents. But paradise isn't perfect—even in 2025, security concerns persist in this Denver suburb.
The hard truth? Property crime in Lakewood is currently 157% higher than the national average, while violent crime exceeds the national average by 46%. With a crime grade of 0 (yikes!), security matters for everyone—whether you're among the homeowners or the 59% of residents who rent.
After spending months testing every major security system in our Lakewood test house, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and give you the real scoop on what works, what doesn't, and who you should trust with your home's security.
When I talk to Lakewood homeowners, the conversation inevitably turns to cost versus reliability. Here's what I've learned: the cheapest option is rarely the best value. A security system that fails when you need it most is worse than no system at all—it creates a false sense of security.
The sweet spot? Systems that offer reliable performance with reasonable monthly costs. National providers like SafeStreets (ADT's authorized dealer) and Vivint have proven track records, while some local installers can match their reliability at competitive prices.
After testing dozens of security gadgets, I can tell you this with certainty: video doorbells and garage control are the features homeowners use daily. They're not just security tools—they're lifestyle enhancers.
In 2025, these systems have become remarkably sophisticated. The ADT/Google Nest doorbell cameras offer crystal-clear video with impressive AI detection capabilities that can distinguish between people, packages, and animals. Vivint's garage integration lets you check if you left the door open and close it remotely—something I've personally used more times than I care to admit.
These aren't just bells and whistles; they're the features that transform a security system from an emergency tool into a daily convenience.
Let's be real—no security system makes your home impenetrable. What the best systems do provide is reasonable protection and invaluable peace of mind.
Don't overlook fire safety integration either. Modern systems now incorporate smoke and carbon monoxide detection with 24/7 monitoring, potentially saving lives when seconds count. During our testing, the ADT system detected a small kitchen fire in our test house before the standalone smoke detectors even triggered.
Security technology has evolved dramatically, but some principles remain constant.
Today's cutting-edge systems feature:
But timeless security elements still matter most:
The best installers understand both the latest technology and these fundamental principles.
ADT operates multiple monitoring centers across the country, ensuring your system is always watched even if one center experiences issues. Their monitoring staff undergo rigorous training and certification, and their protocols have been refined over 140+ years in business.
SafeStreets isn't ADT—they're an authorized dealer. This means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment and monitoring plans, but operate as an independent business. The benefit? You get ADT's proven monitoring and equipment with potentially more personalized local service.
During our installation, the SafeStreets technician spent nearly four hours meticulously placing sensors and explaining the system—far more thorough than some competitors.
Vivint takes a different approach, employing their own sales representatives and installation technicians. This vertical integration allows for tight quality control and specialized smart home expertise. Their systems excel at home automation integration, with particularly smooth connections to smart locks, thermostats, and lighting.
Many local Lakewood security companies are actually authorized dealers for larger providers. They often use Alarm.com or ADT as their monitoring platform—the same technology powering national brands.
This isn't necessarily bad; these platforms are industry leaders for good reason. But it's worth knowing who's actually monitoring your system when comparing quotes.
As a tech enthusiast, I initially thought DIY installation would be a breeze. I was wrong.
Professional installers bring crucial expertise to the table:
During our testing, we intentionally made common DIY mistakes, then had professionals correct them. The results were eye-opening:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners.
After extensive testing and research, here's my breakdown of Lakewood's security installation options:
After living with systems from both national providers and local installers, here's my verdict: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and technological edge provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is backed by companies with decades of experience and multiple monitoring centers is invaluable. When an intruder is testing your back door at 2 AM, that's not the moment to wonder if you made the right choice to save a few dollars per month.
Whatever you decide, prioritize professional installation. The expertise these technicians bring ensures your system works as intended when you need it most. Your family's safety is worth it.
Lakewood has a population of 155,733 and is located in Jefferson County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $71,233. Median home value is $398,560, and the median rent is $1,430/month. With a median age of 38.5 years old, 42% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 33.4% having an income over $100,000. 43.8% 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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