San Jose, California is known as the capital of Silicone Valley because of all the nearby tech campuses and tech headquarters as well as other business opportunities. This lovely, sprawling town is located in the foothills between the Santa Cruz and Diablo mountain ranges and is near the ocean.
San Jose is a Great Place to Live
San Jose is highly ranked as a good place to live by U.S. News and other rating sites. This is because of the great weather, good job market, and high quality of life the area offers. On the downside, the cost of living in San Jose is one of the highest in the country. The local tech boom has driven housing and other costs up to new heights.
So, for those who work in the tech industry with high salaries, this is a wonderful place to live. For those who do not make these high wages and are not independently wealthy, affording life in San Jose might be a challenge.
For those who have the income and means to live in this city, there is plenty to do and see. All kinds of shopping is available as well as camping, hiking, and skiing. Napa Valley wine country is near. There is plenty of sports, music, and culture to enjoy also.
What About Crime?
San Jose actually has a lower than national average violent crime rate and a higher than national average property crime rate. San Jose has had a drop in home burglaries due to police prioritization and the increase in use of affordable home-security systems. The police force has a special Burglary Prevention Unit.
The police department has also hired more officers which the police chief said has helped control crime. They went from 900 officers several years ago to 1,150 officers in 2019.
Home Security Systems
Home security systems that are connected to local police departments help homeowners avoid burglaries and they also help the police track attempted break-ins and burglaries, so they know where the most patrol coverage is needed.
Advantages of having home security systems include:
Deterring crime. When more security systems are in a neighborhood crime goes down.
The newer security systems give you remote access to your home. If the system has cameras, you can use your phone to monitor what is happening. You can also control smart thermostats, lighting, and other smart devices.
The homeowner’s insurance may go down as much as 20% when a security system is engaged.
The family valuables are protected from theft when a security system is added.
Having a good home security system gives homeowners peace of mind while they are at work or on trips.
Home security systems can be set to give alarms for gas or fire problems.
The right home security system helps parents keep track of children’s activities at home. It can let parents unlock smart doors for children coming home from school.
Choose the Best Security Systems
When choosing a security company or system check out the local rating services to get an idea about the best products for your area. The cost of a security system can vary depending on factors including the equipment chosen, the monitoring, and the installation costs. The homeowner may find a system to purchase for around $250.00. System installation can cost around $200.00, and monthly monitoring can range from $15.00 a month to $200.00 a month.
