Ever wondered if that security system you hastily installed is actually keeping your family safe, or just giving you a false sense of security? After having five different systems professionally installed in the same house, I've got some eye-opening insights to share.
Nestled between the majestic Olympic Mountains and the serene Puget Sound, Olympia boasts stunning natural beauty and a vibrant community spirit. But behind this picturesque facade lies a concerning reality: property crime rates that are 67% higher than the national average, with violent crime exceeding the national average by 29%.
As we head into 2025, I've spent the past year testing multiple security systems in our Olympia test home. What I've discovered might surprise you – there's a massive gap between what companies promise and what actually protects your home. Whether you're among the 47.2% of Olympians who rent or you own your home, understanding what truly matters in home security could make all the difference.
Let's cut through the marketing hype and get to what really works.
The most expensive system isn't necessarily the best. What matters is reliability – will it work when you need it most? In our testing, we found that mid-range systems from established providers consistently outperformed both budget options and some high-end alternatives that packed in unnecessary features.
The sweet spot? Systems that offer 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup (not just Wi-Fi) and battery reserves for power outages – without breaking the bank.
Here's what surprised me: the security features homeowners actually use daily aren't always what companies emphasize in their marketing.
The most used and appreciated features across all our test households were:
The best systems don't just protect against intruders – they enhance your daily life while providing comprehensive safety.
Security technology has evolved dramatically. In 2025, we're seeing:
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
The best systems combine cutting-edge technology with these proven security principles.
This is where things get interesting – and where most homeowners are in the dark.
ADT operates six monitoring centers across North America, ensuring redundancy if one center goes offline. They employ thousands of monitoring professionals who respond to alerts 24/7.
What many don't realize is that 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 installation and service calls. This can sometimes create confusion about who to contact for different issues.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. They manufacture much of their own equipment, employ their own installation technicians, and run their own monitoring centers. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control but typically comes with higher costs.
Their smart home integration is among the best we've tested, with seamless control of security, cameras, thermostats, locks, and lighting from a single app or touchscreen panel.
Many local Olympia security companies are actually authorized dealers for larger providers. For instance, several local installers are ADT authorized dealers bound by ADT's requirements and standards.
Here's something few people realize: many security companies, regardless of the name on your bill, use the same central monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers the backend for numerous local and regional providers, while ADT uses their proprietary monitoring infrastructure.
As someone who's technically inclined, I initially thought DIY installation would be fine. I was wrong.
Professional installers know tricks of the trade that most homeowners miss:
Common DIY mistakes include:
When it comes to your family's safety, professional installation is worth every penny.
With property crime 67% above the national average and violent crime 29% higher, Olympia's crime grade of 0 is concerning. Both homeowners and the 47.2% of residents who rent need to take security seriously.
Most property crimes are opportunistic – criminals looking for easy targets. A visible security system with professional monitoring dramatically reduces your chances of becoming a victim.
After testing 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 advantages of established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher cost.
Local dealers can provide excellent service, but they're often at the mercy of their authorized dealer agreements and may have limited resources for ongoing support.
If budget is your primary concern, local installers might offer better deals. But if you want the most reliable protection with cutting-edge technology and guaranteed support, national providers have earned their reputation.
Whatever you choose, don't compromise on professional installation. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your system was installed correctly by experts is worth every penny. Your family's safety deserves nothing less.
Olympia has a population of 200,836 and is located in Thurston County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $63,185. Median home value is $328,691, and the median rent is $1,199/month. With a median age of 37.7 years old, 46% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 29.7% having an income over $100,000. 41.3% 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