Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually protecting you—or just giving you a false sense of security? I sure did, which is why I spent months testing five different professionally installed systems in the same house. What I discovered might surprise you.
Spartanburg is a gem of the Upstate region with its vibrant downtown, rich history, and the beautiful Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve. But behind this charming facade lies a concerning reality: property crime rates are 212% higher than the national average, and violent crime sits at a shocking 269% above average. In fact, the city has earned a crime grade of 0—about as low as it gets.
Whether you're among the 50% of residents who own their homes or the 50.2% who rent, these statistics make one thing clear: home security isn't optional in Spartanburg—it's essential.
After living with multiple security systems in our test facility, I'm ready to cut through the marketing hype and give you the straight facts about what really works and what's just expensive window dressing.
In my testing, I found that the most expensive system isn't always the most effective. What matters is the relationship between value and reliability. A system that costs twice as much but fails during a power outage isn't worth the premium. The sweet spot? Systems that offer consistent performance with reasonable monthly monitoring costs.
Here's something the brochures don't tell you: the security features you'll use most aren't the ones that stop burglars—they're the ones that make your daily life easier. In our testing, video doorbells and garage door controls were used multiple times daily, while the motion sensors rarely detected anything but family members.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint excel in this area, offering seamless integration that actually works in real-world conditions. I can't count how many times I've used my phone to let in a delivery person or check if I closed the garage door after leaving.
The truth? No security system makes your home impenetrable. What you're really buying is reasonable protection and peace of mind. The best systems also integrate fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and water leak monitoring—threats that are statistically more likely to damage your home than a break-in.
It's 2025, and security technology has never been more advanced or user-friendly. The latest systems feature:
But some aspects of security are timeless: proper sensor placement, tamper-resistant installation, and reliable monitoring services. These fundamentals haven't changed in decades and still form the backbone of effective home security.
This is where things get interesting—and where most homeowners get confused.
ADT operates its own UL-listed monitoring centers throughout the US, with redundant facilities that ensure someone's always watching. They employ thousands of monitoring specialists and maintain strict standards for response times.
SafeStreets isn't ADT—it's 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 initial customer service. It's like buying a Toyota from a local dealership—the car is made by Toyota, but your buying experience depends on the dealer.
Vivint takes a different approach. They design their own equipment, employ their own installers, and run their own monitoring centers. This vertical integration means better quality control but sometimes higher prices. Their direct sales model (those door-to-door salespeople) eliminates the middleman but can create pressure to buy.
Here's an industry secret: many local security companies don't actually monitor your system themselves. They contract with large monitoring centers like Alarm.com, which handles signals for thousands of local dealers nationwide. This isn't necessarily bad—these centers have excellent infrastructure—but it's something to consider when a local company claims to offer "personalized monitoring."
As someone who's technically inclined, I initially thought DIY installation would be a breeze. I was wrong.
Professional installers know things you don't:
In my testing, I found DIY installations typically made these critical errors:
When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners. The $200-300 you might save on installation isn't worth compromising your security.
After testing multiple systems and researching dozens more, here's my honest assessment: 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 costs.
Local companies may come and go, change ownership, or vary in service quality. National providers offer standardized installation practices, consistent monitoring protocols, and regular technology updates that local companies struggle to match.
In a city with Spartanburg's crime statistics, professional installation isn't just a convenience—it's a necessity. Whether you choose a national or local provider, don't compromise on professional installation. The security of your home and the safety of your family deserve nothing less.
Spartanburg has a population of 216,021 and is located in Spartanburg County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $42,841. Median home value is $130,939, and the median rent is $839/month. With a median age of 35.1 years old, 33.1% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 16.3% having an income over $100,000. 33.9% 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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