Have you ever wondered if that fancy deadbolt is actually keeping the bad guys out? Or if your DIY security setup has glaring vulnerabilities you've never considered? After having five different professional security systems installed in the same house, I've got some eye-opening insights to share.
Nestled against the stunning Wasatch Mountains, Orem offers that perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities that makes it such a desirable place to live. The family-friendly atmosphere and excellent schools have earned it spots on "best places to live" lists for years.
But even in this idyllic setting, security concerns exist. While Orem enjoys violent crime rates 72% lower than the national average (something to celebrate!), property crime runs about 5% higher than average. That's why in 2025, more Orem residents are investing in home security than ever before.
I've spent the last year testing various security systems in our test home, having professionals from different companies install their solutions in the same property. What I discovered cut through the marketing hype and revealed what actually matters for keeping your home safe.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best choice. But that doesn't mean you need to break the bank either. What I've found is that homeowners need to focus on the sweet spot where reliability meets reasonable cost.
After testing multiple systems, I discovered that paying a bit more for professional installation and monitoring provides exponentially better protection than budget DIY options. The difference isn't just in equipment quality but in how effectively the system is designed to protect your specific home.
Here's something interesting I learned: the security features homeowners use most aren't always the ones that provide the most protection. Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most frequently used and appreciated features.
In our testing, we found ourselves checking the doorbell camera multiple times daily - whether to see if a package arrived, who was at the door, or just to check what was happening outside. The ability to open and close the garage remotely saved us countless trips back home when we couldn't remember if we'd closed it.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint offer exceptional implementations of these features that integrate seamlessly with their broader security platforms.
What's the real value of a security system? It's not just about preventing break-ins - it's about the peace of mind that comes from knowing you've taken reasonable steps to protect your family.
This extends beyond intrusion protection to fire safety as well. Modern security systems include smoke and carbon monoxide detection that can alert monitoring centers even when you're away, potentially saving your home and pets when you're not there.
It's 2025, and security technology has made impressive leaps. Today's systems feature AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. False alarms have decreased dramatically thanks to multi-sensor verification.
The integration of voice assistants has become seamless, allowing you to arm your system, check camera feeds, or lock doors with simple voice commands. Battery life has improved significantly, with many wireless sensors now lasting 5+ years.
But some aspects of security remain timeless: strategic sensor placement, redundant communication methods (cellular backup is still king), and professional monitoring still form the foundation of effective home security.
ADT remains the largest security provider in America, operating six monitoring centers across the country. This redundancy ensures your home remains protected even if one center experiences issues.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell, install and service ADT equipment but the actual monitoring is handled by ADT's centers. This arrangement gives you local service with national monitoring infrastructure.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales and service model. They design, manufacture, install, and monitor their systems, giving them complete control over the customer experience. This vertical integration allows for tighter smart home integration and more consistent service quality.
Many local security companies in Orem actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. They must meet the same installation standards and requirements as corporate locations.
An industry secret: many security companies, regardless of the name on your bill, use the same central monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers many local and regional providers, while ADT uses their proprietary monitoring infrastructure.
After watching five different professional installations of our test home, I can confidently say that professional installation is worth every penny, even for tech-savvy homeowners.
Professionals understand the "tricks of the trade" that DIYers simply miss. They know exactly where to place motion sensors to avoid pets triggering false alarms while still catching intruders. They recognize vulnerable entry points that homeowners overlook. They understand how to install tamper-protected sensors that can't be easily disabled.
Common DIY mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners.
With a crime grade of 8.5, Orem ranks among the safer communities in Utah. However, the 5% higher-than-average property crime rate means homeowners should remain vigilant.
What's particularly noteworthy is that security matters for the 59.3% of Orem residents who rent as well. Renters actually experience higher rates of property crime than homeowners in many cases, making portable security solutions increasingly important.
After our extensive testing, here's my straightforward advice: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and advanced features provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
These national providers have invested millions in developing user-friendly interfaces, reliable monitoring infrastructures, and seamless integrations that simply work better than most local alternatives.
Whatever you choose, please don't cut corners with DIY installation. The peace of mind that comes from knowing professionals have properly secured your home is worth the investment. After all, when it comes to protecting what matters most, "good enough" simply isn't good enough.
Orem has a population of 97,883 and is located in Utah County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $65,622. Median home value is $297,508, and the median rent is $1,057/month. With a median age of 26.5 years old, 40.8% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 28.7% having an income over $100,000. 56.1% 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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