Compare the highest-rated home security professionals in Highland, Maryland. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A nationally recognized, employee-owned company known for its reliable 24/7 professional monitoring and high-quality security equipment. They offer comprehensive solutions including smart home automation, environmental monitoring (fire/CO), and video surveillance. Their strong brand reputation and long history instill significant customer trust.
A highly-rated, local Maryland business based in nearby Columbia. They have built an excellent reputation for personalized service, expert installation, and responsive maintenance. They are known for working with a wide range of equipment brands and providing custom solutions for both residential and commercial clients.
A leading provider of integrated smart home security systems. Vivint is distinguished by its advanced, proprietary technology that seamlessly blends security with home automation, including smart locks, thermostats, and comprehensive indoor/outdoor camera systems. They use dedicated professional installers.
** The home security market in Highland, MD, is competitive and served by a mix of large national providers and established local specialists. Due to Highland's affluent and family-oriented demographics, the demand for integrated smart home features and professional monitoring is high. Residents have access to top-tier technology and services comparable to larger metropolitan areas. **Average Quality:** The service quality is generally high, with companies offering robust equipment from brands like Qolsys, DSC, and Axis, as well as proprietary systems (e.g., Vivint). Professional installation is the standard. **Competition Level:** The market is robustly competitive. National giants (ADT, Guardian) compete with tech-forward providers (Vivint) and highly-trusted local integrators (A-1 Security). This competition benefits consumers through better pricing, advanced technology offerings, and strong customer service. **Typical Pricing:** * **Installation:** Can range from $0-$200 for a basic system with a contract to $1,000+ for a comprehensive, custom-integrated system without a long-term contract. * **Monthly Monitoring:** Typically falls between **$30 - $60 per month**. Higher tiers include smart home automation features and video storage. * **Equipment:** Can be bundled into the monthly fee or purchased outright for several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the system's complexity.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Highland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home security services in Highland, Maryland.
For a standard professionally installed and monitored system in Highland, homeowners can expect an initial equipment cost ranging from $0 to $500, with monthly monitoring fees between $30 and $60. Local factors that can affect pricing include the larger property sizes common in the Highland/Howard County area, which may require more sensors and cameras, and the prevalence of homes with basements that need additional entry-point coverage. Some providers may also adjust pricing based on the specific crime statistics for the 20777 zip code.
Highland's climate demands equipment rated for wide temperature ranges and high humidity to prevent sensor failure or lens fogging on cameras. It's crucial to choose outdoor cameras with adequate weatherproofing (IP65 or higher) and to ensure all external wiring and connections are properly sealed. Seasonal maintenance, like clearing fallen leaves from outdoor motion sensors in autumn and ensuring driveway or walkway cameras are clear of snow and ice in winter, is essential for reliable year-round performance.
Howard County does not require a permit for standard security system installation. However, if your system includes monitored fire/smoke alarms, you must register the system with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Additionally, for homes within the Town of Highland's Historic District, any external mounting of cameras or equipment on the front façade may require approval from the Historic District Commission to ensure it does not detract from the home's historic character.
A reputable local provider will have specific knowledge of common home layouts in the area (e.g., older farmhouses, newer subdivisions like Highland Crossroads) and response protocols with the Howard County Police Department. They can often provide more personalized service and faster on-site support. Always verify that any provider, local or national, is licensed by the Maryland State Police as a Private Detective Agency (required for alarm companies) and check their rating with the Howard County Office of Consumer Affairs.
Given the larger, often wooded properties, a layered approach is most effective. This includes wireless outdoor motion-activated cameras with infrared or color night vision to monitor driveways and outbuildings, and perimeter sensors on gates or sheds. For wildlife activity common in the area (like deer), look for cameras with advanced analytics to reduce false alarms. Given the potential for longer police response times in some parts of Highland, a system with cellular backup and smart home integrations (like smart lighting) to create occupancy patterns is highly recommended.