Have you ever wondered if the security system protecting your family is actually doing its job? Or worse—if it might be giving you a false sense of security while leaving critical vulnerabilities exposed?
Mesquite, Texas has a lot going for it—from its vibrant community to its convenient location just east of Dallas. The city's affordability and family-friendly neighborhoods make it an attractive place to put down roots. But behind this pleasant exterior lies a concerning reality: property crime rates that are 81% higher than the national average, with violent crime exceeding the national average by 13%. With a crime grade of 0, security isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity.
That's why our team spent the last year testing five different professionally installed security systems in the same house. We wanted to cut through the marketing hype and give Mesquite residents honest answers about what works and what doesn't. After living with these systems day in and day out, we've discovered some surprising truths that most installers won't tell you.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. But that doesn't mean you need to break the bank either. The sweet spot is finding a system that offers reliability at a reasonable price point.
In our testing, we found that systems in the $1,500-2,500 range (including installation) typically offer the best value-to-reliability ratio. Systems below this price point often cut corners on crucial components like motion sensors and backup systems, while more expensive options add bells and whistles that most homeowners rarely use.
Here's something interesting we discovered: the security features homeowners actually use most aren't always the ones that provide the most security. Video doorbells and garage control consistently ranked as the most frequently used and appreciated features across all our test households.
In 2025, these aren't just nice-to-haves—they're essential. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking whether you closed the garage after leaving for work provides both convenience and peace of mind. Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in these areas, offering seamless integration that actually works in daily life.
A properly installed security system isn't just about deterring break-ins—it's comprehensive protection for your family. Modern systems now integrate fire and carbon monoxide detection, water leak sensors, and even medical alert capabilities. This holistic approach to home safety creates genuine peace of mind that's difficult to quantify but impossible to ignore once you experience it.
The home security landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles with remarkable accuracy. Mobile apps have become incredibly intuitive, allowing granular control over every aspect of your system.
But some aspects of security remain timeless. Proper sensor placement, reliable monitoring, and fast response times are just as important today as they were decades ago. The best systems combine cutting-edge technology with these fundamental principles.
Door and window sensors remain the backbone of any good security system. What's changed is their size (much smaller now) and their ability to integrate with other smart home features. The best installers know exactly where to place these sensors for maximum effectiveness—something many DIYers get wrong.
ADT operates one of the most extensive monitoring networks in the country, with multiple redundant monitoring centers ensuring your home is never left unprotected due to a single point of failure. Their service model typically involves professional installation followed by 24/7 monitoring with a monthly subscription.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install, and service ADT equipment and monitoring plans. They must meet ADT's strict standards and requirements, but they operate as an independent business. For customers, this means you get ADT's technology and monitoring with potentially more personalized local service.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. They design, manufacture, and install their own equipment, giving them tighter control over the entire customer experience. Their systems excel at smart home integration, with particularly strong automation capabilities that tie security features to everyday conveniences.
Here's an industry secret: many security companies use the same central monitoring services. Alarm.com serves as the platform powering many local dealers nationwide, while ADT maintains its own proprietary monitoring infrastructure. This is why the real differentiator often isn't the monitoring itself but the quality of installation, equipment, and customer service.
After installing and living with multiple systems, I can confidently say that professional installation is worth every penny—even for technically inclined homeowners. Here's why:
Professional installers know exactly where to place sensors to eliminate blind spots. They understand how to position motion detectors to minimize false alarms while maximizing coverage. They know how to secure equipment against tampering. These nuances make the difference between a system that works most of the time and one that works when it matters most.
We've seen countless DIY installations with critical flaws: motion sensors placed too close to heating vents (causing false alarms), door sensors improperly aligned (leading to system failures), and cameras positioned with major blind spots. These mistakes don't just reduce effectiveness—they create a dangerous false sense of security.
When it comes to protecting your family, cutting corners on installation simply isn't worth the risk. Professional installers don't just mount equipment—they test it thoroughly, ensure all components communicate properly, and verify that monitoring connections are stable and reliable.
As mentioned earlier, Mesquite's property crime rate exceeds the national average by 81%, while violent crime is 13% above average. These statistics highlight the importance of comprehensive security for all residents—not just homeowners.
With 59.2% of Mesquite residents renting their homes, it's worth noting that renters face unique security challenges. Many landlords restrict permanent installations, making wireless systems with minimal mounting requirements particularly valuable for this demographic.
After a year of testing and countless conversations with homeowners, installers, and security experts, here's my conclusion: while local companies may offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint is worth the slightly higher cost for most homeowners.
The difference comes down to accountability, resources, and longevity. National providers have invested millions in their monitoring infrastructure, training programs, and product development. They'll be there when you need them—not just today, but years from now.
Whatever you decide, don't compromise on professional installation. The security of your home and family is too important to leave to chance or to save a few hundred dollars. In Mesquite's challenging security environment, professional installation isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
Mesquite has a population of 142,429 and is located in Dallas County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $60,715. Median home value is $160,523, and the median rent is $1,157/month. With a median age of 33 years old, 17.7% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 23.4% having an income over $100,000. 45.4% 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.
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