The Best Home Security Systems in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
Are you looking for the best home security systems in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA? Using Crime Grade's exceptional crime data that is accurate down to the neighborhood, we have analyzed West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA home security system options in a way no other source has been able to do. See why
A property crime is committed in West Cambridge every 1 day 10 hours, and nationwide, your home is 300% more likely to be burglarized without a home security system. West Cambridge experiences 30.06 property crimes per 1000 people and 5.089 incidents of vandalism per 1000 people in the typical year. A home security system will protect you when you’re at home or away, 24 hours a day.
Home Security Companies Available in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
Best Overall
ADT
We believe ADT is the best home security system for residents of West Cambridge. A higher median income of $146,345 along with an aging population (the median age in West Cambridge is 43) solidifies ADT as our recommendation.
No Contract Pick
Simplisafe
These guys offer the best all-round balance of equipment, monitoring, customer service, and price. They’re reliable and the keep your home safe—it’s a fairly comfortable #1 spot.
Upgrade Pick
Vivint
Vivint doesn't seem to care about competitive prices; just quality. Their bespoke whole-house systems combine strict security with cutting-edge technology and full-scale home automation, making up the complete package.
Do You Need a Home Security System in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA?
Choosing a home security system can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help break down what to consider when living in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA. We’ll compare different crime rates and weather along with advanced features that make you feel safer and make your life easier.
Why Crime Grade?
Crime Grade has the most robust and accurate nationwide crime model available. In addition, our data is granular enough to identify and compare crime statistics to the neighborhood level. This puts us in the unique position of being able to evaluate the home security needs of people in a particular neighborhood rather than making a general assessment. So read on to see what's unique about West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA and our home security system recommendations that result from that.
Property Crime in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
Our analysis gives West Cambridge a property crime grade of: F. West Cambridge is in the 97th percentile of safety, meaning 97% of cities in Cambridge are safer and 3% are more dangerous. Please visit our West Cambridge crime map for details on how this is calculated and what it means.
Crime Grades
Property crime is highest in the southern part of West Cambridge, with your chances of being a victim of 1 in 8. Compare this to the northwestern part of the neighborhood, where crime is lower, and your chances of being a victim are 1 in 195.
F
F |
|
F |
|
Other Crime Grade |
D- |
A crime occurs every 20 hours 3 minutes (on average) in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA.
Your home is 300% more likely to be robbed with no home security system.
So, is West Cambridge safe? Compared to all of Cambridge, West Cambridge is rated as safe as the average Cambridge neighborhood, which has a property crime rate of 27.71 per 1000. Looking at burglary, we see a different pattern, where West Cambridge, with its burglary rate of 3.806 per 1000, is as safe as the average Cambridge neighborhood.
In addition, West Cambridge is higher than other neighborhoods with similar populations for property crime. The table below shows property crime rates and level of occurrence in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA.
Crime Type |
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents) |
Avg Number of Crimes per year in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA |
Avg Crimes Committed Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|
Theft |
25.51 |
215 |
4.1 |
Vehicle Theft |
0.6368 |
5 |
0.1 |
Burglary |
3.806 |
32 |
0.6 |
Arson |
0.1034 |
1 |
0.0 |
Weather and Climate in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
As strange as it might sound, some home security system features can be more or less important based on the climate you live in.
Home Security Fire Sensors in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
Hotter temperatures can lead to higher risk of fires in the home. The average temperature in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA is 53.66 degrees, reaching 83.89 degrees in the hottest months like July & August. This temperature has held steady compared to 1990, when the hottest month reached 83.93 degrees in July.
Home age is another factor in determining fire risk, primarily due to electrical issues. The average home in West Cambridge was built in 1960, which is older than the national average of 1978 and is much older than the average home in Cambridge build in 1970.
Between colder seasonal temperatures and newer homes in West Cambridge, you can judge how important fire sensors and immediate response may be. A combination of smoke detectors, CO2 sensors, and fire alarms connected to a home security system can make that response as swift as possible, whether you’re at work or on vacation.
Home Security Flood Sensors in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
With the risk of flooding and burst pipes, a flood sensor can alert you and authorities as soon as possible. Even a few hours make the difference between an easy restoration and long-term water damage.
Home Security Freeze Sensors in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA reaches an average of 40.45 degrees in its cold months of January & February. This temperature has held steady compared to 1990, when the coldest month reached 40.99 degrees in January.
The year a home was constructed can also contribute to the risk of damage from cold weather. The average home in West Cambridge is 63 years old, and seasonal temperature changes have had much more time to cause stress on the home compared to the average Cambridge home that's 53 years old and more time than the national average of a 45-year-old home.
Temperature fluctuations will weaken the structure and foundation of the home, cold temperatures can cause pipes to leak or burst, and if it snows that can cause additional stress on the roof. However, freeze sensors are not an expensive addon. After assessing your West Cambridge home, you can make a more informed decision if they would be a suitable addition to your home security system.
Cost of Home Security Systems in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
To identify the final cost of a home security system for your West Cambridge home, we must determine some of your preferences.
Self-Monitored or Professionally Monitored?
Any home security system you pick will offer a selection of equipment including entry sensors, cameras, etc. The question is, do you actually want to self-monitor your system? If like 35.19% (3,054) of people in West Cambridge, you are a renter, you might prefer a self-monitored home security system. On the other hand, 64.81% or 5,624 of West Cambridge residents own their homes and may be more likely to consider a professionally monitored system to protect their property.
Whether you rent or buy, how well can you monitor your system on your own? For example, if you're one of the 41% of people who commute an average of 30 minutes to work in or around West Cambridge, can you immediately receive notifications on your phone, check cameras in meetings or while working, and call the police if needed?
If not, you might want a professionally monitored system where a company is available 24/7 to respond, whether on vacation or at work. Please see our comprehensive guide on the best home security systems for a complete comparison.
Self-Installed vs. Professional Installation
Most providers have great self-installation options, so if you're handy or tech-savvy, like the 16% of West Cambridge residents working in computer engineering and science, self-installation can be a great option.
Alternatively, when your security system is installed professionally, you can ensure that your equipment is placed correctly and will function without any problems. That peace of mind is valuable for people willing to spend the extra money.
Residents of West Cambridge tend to have a higher median household income than nearby neighborhoods, earning $146,345 annually. In addition, 87.8% of residents have a college degree or higher, compared to 32.9% in the United States.
If you're a homeowner, do you have more to protect? The median home value in West Cambridge is $1,449,800. Compared to the median home value in Cambridge of $947,714, your home value will probably be higher. With their larger lots, single-family homes tend to be more isolated from view and a tempting target for burglars.
Find an in-depth review of installation options in our best home security systems guide.
Police Stations Near West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
There are 0 police stations within the boundaries of West Cambridge, and 117 within 5 miles. Within 50 miles of the West Cambridge center, there are 802 police stations. Compared to other neighborhoods, police response times in West Cambridge may be much faster. Even when response times are great, every second your security system saves in reporting a crime will improve the police response.
| Harvard University Police 29 Garden St Cambridge, MA 2138 (617) 495-1000 harvard.edu |
Cambridge Police Review Board 831 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 2139 (617) 349-6155 cambridgema.gov |
Cambridge Police Review Board 831 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 2139 (617) 349-6155 cambridgema.gov |
Home Security and Property Crime in Neighborhoods Near West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
Nearby Neighborhood | Property Crime Grade | Overall Crime Grade | Safer than West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Nine, Cambridge, MA | D- | D | more safe |
| Avon Hill, Cambridge, MA | D- | D+ | more safe |
| Aggasiz-Harvard, Cambridge, MA | F | F | about as safe |
| Strawberry Hill, Cambridge, MA | C | C+ | more safe |
| North Cambridge, Cambridge, MA | C- | C+ | more safe |
| Riverside, Cambridge, MA | F | F | about as safe |
| Mid-Cambridge, Cambridge, MA | D | D+ | more safe |
| Spring Hill, Somerville, MA | C | C+ | more safe |
| East Watertown, Watertown Town, MA | D+ | B- | more safe |
| Ball Square, Somerville, MA | C- | B- | more safe |
Home Security and Property Crime in Neighborhoods Similar to West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
Nearby Neighborhood | Property Crime Grade | Overall Crime Grade | Safer than West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beechview, Pittsburgh, PA | D- | D | more safe |
| Ysleta Mission Valley, El Paso, TX | D- | D- | more safe |
| Wedgewood, Charlotte, NC | F | D- | about as safe |
| Walker's Point, Milwaukee, WI | F | F | about as safe |
| University City North, Charlotte, NC | A- | C+ | more safe |
| Southwest Detroit, Detroit, MI | F | F | about as safe |
| Pukalani, Makawao, HI | A | A- | more safe |
| Old San Leandro, San Leandro, CA | C | B- | more safe |
| Mount Washington, Los Angeles, CA | C- | B- | more safe |
| Kempsville Gardens, Virginia Beach, VA | C- | B- | more safe |
Summarizing Home Security Considerations in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
Deciding whether you need a home security system in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA can be a complicated decision. We've used distrinctive property crime statistics and varying environment factors about the neighborhood to help us make an objective recommendation for most residents. Leveraging CrimeGrade.org's uniquely robust and granular crime data, we've scrutinized the options for home security systems, tailoring them to the unique needs and context of West Cambridge residents.
Combining the property crime Grades, demographic information, and local climate conditions for advanced home security features gives us some companies that stand out.
ADT, Simplisafe, and Vivint have emerged as the top choices for West Cambridge residents due to their distinctive offerings and reliability, each appealing to varied preferences and budget ranges of homeowners and renters alike. Notably, factors such as West Cambridge's climate, housing age, and average income levels further steer the home security considerations.
Property Crime Insights
- A property crime occurs approximately every 1 day 10 hours in West Cambridge.
- The neighborhood experiences 30.06 property crimes and 5.089 vandalism insidents per 1,000 people annually.
- West Cambridge's property crime grade stands at an 'F', comparably as safe as other Cambridge {{place_type__plural_lower}}.
Noteworthy Security Companies
- ADT: We believe ADT is the best home security system for residents of West Cambridge. A higher median income of $146,345 along with an aging population (the median age in West Cambridge is 43) solidifies ADT as our recommendation.
- Simplisafe: These guys offer the best all-round balance of equipment, monitoring, customer service, and price. They’re reliable and the keep your home safe—it’s a fairly comfortable #1 spot.
- Vivint: Vivint doesn't seem to care about competitive prices; just quality. Their bespoke whole-house systems combine strict security with cutting-edge technology and full-scale home automation, making up the complete package.
Climate Considerations for Security
- Fire sensors could be worth considering, since the average temperature reaches 83.89 degrees in the peak months of July & August.
- Freeze sensors might be worth considering, with January & February temperatures averaging 40.45 degrees.
Self vs. Professional Monitoring & Installation
- 35.19% of West Cambridge residents are renters, potentially inclining towards self-monitored systems.
- Given the 41% of commuters, professional monitoring might offer valuable peace of mind.
- Considering West Cambridge's higher household median income of $146,345 and 87.8% college-degree holding populace, investment in professional installation and advanced system features might be favorable.
Local Police Presence
- West Cambridge hosts 0 police stations within it's borders, potentially influencing response times.