Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you—or just giving you a false sense of security? The answer might surprise you.
Sioux Falls has so much going for it—beautiful Falls Park, a thriving downtown scene, and that quintessential Midwestern community feel. But beneath this picturesque surface lies a concerning reality: property crime rates that demand our attention.
I've spent the last year doing something most people would consider extreme: having five different professional security systems installed in the same test house. Why? To cut through the marketing hype and give you the unfiltered truth about what actually works to keep your family safe.
What I discovered shocked me—and it might change how you think about your home's protection.
When it comes to home security, the cheapest option is rarely the best. But here's the thing—the most expensive isn't necessarily superior either.
Through our extensive testing, we found that the sweet spot lies in systems that balance upfront costs with reliable performance. The key question isn't "How much does it cost?" but rather "How consistently does it work when you need it?"
A system that fails during a power outage or freezes during South Dakota's brutal winters isn't worth much, regardless of price.
Here's something the industry doesn't talk about enough: the features you'll use daily matter more than the ones you'll (hopefully) never need.
Our testing revealed that video doorbells and garage control capabilities were used multiple times daily, while the actual alarm system might only be armed and disarmed twice a day.
A good video doorbell lets you see package deliveries, speak to visitors, and monitor your front door from anywhere. Garage control lets you check if you left the garage door open and close it remotely—something I personally use at least weekly when I'm halfway to work and suddenly wonder, "Did I close the garage?"
These aren't just conveniences—they're the features that transform a security system from a rarely-thought-about necessity into a daily quality-of-life enhancement.
Let's be real—the statistical likelihood of a break-in is relatively low for most homes. But security systems provide something more valuable than protection against unlikely events: they provide peace of mind.
And don't forget fire safety. A comprehensive system that includes smoke and carbon monoxide detection could literally save your life, making it perhaps the most important component of any security setup.
It's 2025, and security technology has never been more advanced or user-friendly.
Today's systems feature AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. Facial recognition can alert you when specific family members arrive home. And everything integrates seamlessly with your smartphone.
The ADT partnership with Google Nest has produced some of the most intuitive interfaces we've tested, while Vivint continues to lead in smart home integration.
But some aspects of security are timeless: proper sensor placement, backup power systems, and professional monitoring remain as crucial today as they were decades ago.
ADT operates their own UL-listed monitoring centers across the country, providing redundancy if one center goes offline. Their model involves both direct sales and authorized dealers who install their equipment.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, which means they sell and install ADT equipment and services, but operate as an independent business. Your monitoring still comes from ADT's centers, but installation and customer service are handled by SafeStreets.
Vivint takes a different approach with their direct sales model. They manufacture their own equipment, employ their own installers, and run their own monitoring centers. This vertical integration allows for tighter control over the customer experience but sometimes at a premium price.
Many local Sioux Falls security companies actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. Others use Alarm.com as their monitoring platform—the same technology powering many national brands.
This isn't necessarily bad, but it's something to be aware of when comparing quotes. You might be paying a premium for essentially the same monitoring service.
After watching professionals install five different systems, I can confidently say this: professional installation is worth every penny, even if you consider yourself tech-savvy.
Professional installers know things most homeowners don't:
The most common DIY mistakes I've seen include:
When it comes to your family's safety, this isn't the place to cut corners.
The statistics don't lie: property crime in Sioux Falls is 60% greater than the national average, while violent crime is 54% above average. The city currently has a crime grade of 0—a sobering reality check.
With 59.5% of residents renting their homes, security solutions need to work for everyone, not just homeowners. Renters face unique challenges, often being unable to make permanent modifications to their living spaces.
After a year of testing, here's my honest assessment: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the consistency, technology, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint typically justify their slightly higher costs.
Local companies may offer more flexible pricing, but they sometimes lack the resources for rapid response if issues arise. National providers have invested millions in their monitoring infrastructure and customer service systems.
Whether you choose a national provider or local installer, professional installation is the single most important factor in ensuring your system works when you need it most.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance. The few hundred dollars you might save with DIY installation pales in comparison to the cost of a system that fails when you need it most.
Your home is your sanctuary—make sure it's properly protected by professionals who understand the unique security challenges of Sioux Falls homes.
Sioux Falls has a population of 173,921 and is located in Minnehaha County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $61,738. Median home value is $205,021, and the median rent is $838/month. With a median age of 34.2 years old, 35.1% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 26.4% having an income over $100,000. 47.9% 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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