Have you ever wondered if your home security system is actually keeping you safe, or just giving you a false sense of security? I did, and what I found out might surprise you.
Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Spokane River, Spokane Valley offers residents a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and suburban comfort. But behind this picturesque setting lies a concerning reality: property crime rates that are 118% higher than the national average.
As someone who's spent the last year testing professional security installations, I've seen firsthand how the right system can make all the difference. My team and I had five different security systems professionally installed in the same house to cut through the marketing hype and determine what actually works. In 2025, the options are better than ever, but choosing the right installer matters more than you might think.
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 my testing, I found that systems in the $1,500-2,500 range (including installation) typically offer the best balance of quality, features, and reliability. Systems below this price point often cut corners on sensor quality or monitoring capabilities, while more expensive systems add bells and whistles that most homeowners rarely use.
Here's something that surprised me: the security features homeowners end up using most aren't always the ones they initially thought were most important.
Video doorbells and garage control consistently rank as the most frequently used and appreciated features. In fact, many homeowners I interviewed said they couldn't imagine going back to a home without these conveniences. Being able to see who's at your door from anywhere or checking whether you closed the garage after leaving provides daily peace of mind that goes beyond traditional security.
Both ADT (through their Google Nest partnership) and Vivint have particularly impressive implementations of these features, with intuitive interfaces that even the least tech-savvy family members can master.
The true value of a security system isn't just in preventing break-ins—it's in the peace of mind that comes from knowing you've taken reasonable steps to protect your home and family.
Don't forget that modern security systems also protect against fire, carbon monoxide, and even water damage. During my testing, a water sensor from one system detected a slow leak under a dishwasher before it could cause serious damage—potentially saving thousands in repairs.
Security technology has advanced dramatically in recent years. In 2025, we're seeing:
But some aspects of security remain timeless:
The best installers combine cutting-edge technology with these proven principles.
ADT operates its own UL-listed monitoring centers across the country, providing 24/7 monitoring with redundant backup systems. When an alarm triggers, trained professionals follow established protocols to verify the emergency and dispatch appropriate services.
SafeStreets is an ADT authorized dealer, meaning they sell, install, and service ADT equipment while adhering to ADT's strict standards. Your monitoring is still handled by ADT's professional centers, but your installation and customer service come through SafeStreets. This model allows for more personalized local service while maintaining national monitoring standards.
Vivint takes a different approach, handling everything from sales to installation to monitoring in-house. This vertical integration allows them to offer highly customized smart home solutions with tight integration between security and home automation features. Their sales representatives typically come directly to your home for consultations.
Many local security companies in Spokane Valley actually operate as authorized dealers for larger brands like ADT. This means they're bound by the same installation standards and can offer the same monitoring services, sometimes with more personalized customer service.
Here's an industry secret: many security companies use the same central monitoring platforms. Alarm.com powers the backend for numerous local and regional providers, while ADT uses its proprietary monitoring system. This is why the real differentiator often comes down to installation quality and customer service rather than monitoring capabilities.
As someone who considers himself fairly tech-savvy, I was humbled by what I learned watching professional installers work. There's an art and science to proper security installation that DIY approaches often miss.
Professional installers know exactly where to place sensors to eliminate blind spots. They understand how to:
The most common mistakes I've seen DIYers make include:
When it comes to your family's safety, professional installation is worth every penny.
Based on my testing and research, here are the best options for Spokane Valley residents:
The statistics don't lie: property crime in Spokane Valley is 118% greater than the national average, though violent crime is 14% lower. With a crime grade of 0, security should be a priority for all residents.
What's particularly concerning is that these statistics affect both the 42.2% of residents who own their homes and the 57.8% who rent. Renters are actually more likely to experience break-ins, yet less likely to have comprehensive security systems.
While local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, my testing revealed that national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint provide advantages that are hard to match:
The slightly higher cost typically translates to better equipment, more reliable monitoring, and peace of mind that your security provider will be there when you need them most.
Don't leave your family's safety to chance. Invest in professional installation from a reputable provider. After all, when it comes to home security, you don't want to discover the flaws in your system after it's too late.
Spokane Valley has a population of 99,275 and is located in Spokane County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $56,351. Median home value is $226,332, and the median rent is $969/month. With a median age of 38.1 years old, 24.6% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 20.8% having an income over $100,000. 48.1% 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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