You and your family just moved into your new apartment in New Albany, Ohio. It’s an exciting yet stressful time, but your preparation and due diligence is paying off. You found a great place that is close to work, has all of the amenities you are looking for, and is in a great school district for the kids. It seems you thought of everything. But, what about security?
Although our apartments in New Albany are located in one of the safest areas in Columbus, crimes happen, and you should be prepared. Security is something that is too often overlooked when moving into an apartment, but today it is easier than ever to give you and your family peace of mind with an easy-to-install security system. With advancements in technology, state-of-the-art security systems are no longer just for homes and do much more than simply sound an alarm when a door or window is opened. There are many apartment-friendly security systems on the market that are simple to install and provide you and your family protection, control, and peace of mind. Highlighted below are three security systems ideal for your New Albany apartment.
SimpliSafe was among the first security companies to offer no-contract DIY security systems with apartment-dwellers specifically in mind, developing an affordable security system that is effective and easy to install. For $230 you can get SimpliSafe’s Foundation package, which includes a base station, wireless keypad, one motion sensor, and one entry sensor. And the systems is extremely easy to install. Utilizing peel and stick DIY installation, you simply stick the keypad by your main entryway and the sensors on the doors and windows you wish to monitor and voila!
Typically, the basic system is all you need for an apartment, but you can purchase additional sensors for additional entryways or windows to create your very own custom security system. You can also add video surveillance to your system with the SimpliCam. The SimpliCam integrates seamlessly with your SimpliSafe system and features motion detection, night vision, and live feed to your mobile device. You can also store any of your surveillance footage to review at a later time for an additional monthly fee.
It must be said that SimpliSafe does not come with professional monitoring included, meaning if someone were to break into your apartment the alarm would sound, but you would not be notified, and it would not trigger a call to the police. For professional monitoring you’ll need to subscribe to one of SimpliSafe’s monitoring packages. While the pricing for this service is competitive ($14.99/mo for Standard, $24.99/mo for Interactive), in order to get access to their mobile app to self-monitor your system, a service that is standard for other security providers, you have to subscribe to SimpliSafe’s highest-tier package.
All in all, SimpliSafe is a great system that is reliable, affordable, easy to install, and allows you to build a system that works for you.
Powered by Google, Nest also offers an amazing security system that is easy to install and effortlessly integrates with other Nest and Google products to help you create the smart apartment of your dreams. The Nest security system comes with the Nest Guard, 2 Nest Detects, 2 Nest Tags, and the Nest mobile app.
Nest Detects are Nest’s version of motion detectors, but they are different from most other security systems. Typically, systems come with two different types of sensors, motion and entry. Nest Detects are both of these sensors rolled into one, detecting motion inside your apartment while also detecting when any doors or windows are opened or closed. You won’t have to worry about your furry friends setting off any alarms with Nest’s Dog Pass technology. And Nest Detects also feature an open tone to alert you when someone enters or exits your apartment and a convenient path light to help you locate doors at night.
The Nest Guard is your security hub, allowing you to arm and disarm your system by either swiping your Nest Tag (key fob) or entering a code on the built-in keypad. The Nest Guard also has an innovative feature in which you can set up arm/disarm delays up to 5 minutes, so you no longer have to play beat-the-clock when arming or disarming your system. You can also purchase additional Nest Tags to give out to trusted family and friends. All you need to do is activate the new tags through the Nest App and they’re good to go.
Speaking of the Nest App, the Nest App might be the coolest feature of the Nest security system, and it comes free with the purchase of a Nest security system. The app allows you to arm and disarm your system from your phone and even sends you notifications if you leave your apartment without arming the system. You’ll also receive notifications if the alarm is set off. The Nest security system will not automatically trigger a call to the police, but upon receiving the notification you can verify if it is a break-in or not and then call the police directly through the app. Nest does offer professional monitoring service through BRINKS Home Security for additional peace of mind. Nest also offers indoor and outdoor cameras that are simple to set up and provide you with a live feed of your apartment through the Nest App.
Nest is on the cutting edge when it comes to DIY security systems and that comes with a price. The basic Nest starter kit is $399, however, you can finance a Nest security system for $16.62 per month for 24 months. This is still on the pricey side compared to competitors, but the intuitive mobile app and seamless integration with the other Nest smart devices – thermostat, doorbell, cameras, door locks, smoke & CO detectors – make it worth the money for those that wish to turn their apartment into a full-fledged smart home.
Kangaroo is a relative newcomer in the security system industry, but their innovative and affordable technology is making waves. Kangaroo has embraced technology similar to Google’s Nest but have created affordable bundle and subscription deals that make it a perfect option if you live in an apartment. The basic starter pack comes with 2 motion & entry sensors (similar to Nest), 1 alarm/keypad, and 2 Roo tags, for only $100! It even comes with the Kangaroo mobile app to alert you if the alarm is ever set off. Additional sensors and Roo tags are sold separately allowing you to create your very own custom security system for a reasonable price. Kangaroo also offers 24/7 professional monitoring for just $9 per month as part of their Complete package. The Complete package also comes with the ability to integrate your Kangaroo with either an Amazon Alexa or Google Home to create a budget-friendly smart apartment.
The best part about Kangaroo is their membership available exclusively to renters. For $99 a year (yes! Only $99!) Kangaroo will send you the 3-piece bundle with the Kangaroo Complete Package subscription included. The bundle also includes free hardware every time you move, 15% off new equipment, and free shipping with every purchase. But it gets better! If you choose to cancel your renters membership after the first year, you get to keep all of the devices. That’s right! You get to keep all the equipment no additional fees, no questions asked.
The biggest drawback for Kangaroo is the lack of any video surveillance integration. While you can still use cameras from other home security providers to secure your apartment, as of now, there is no way to monitor these cameras from the Kangaroo app.
For those that desire to have a secure apartment but are budget conscious, Kangaroo is the obvious choice. Innovative, affordable, and easy to install, Kangaroo is a budget-friendly solution that is perfect for renters at our New Albany apartments.
And The Winner Is… Nest!
At our New Albany apartments we know how important it is to make sure your family is secure and protected. When it comes to keeping your family safe, you can’t go wrong with any of the security systems mentioned above. But, while being a little pricier than SimpliSafe and Kangaroo, Nest comes out on top as our pick for the best security system for your New Albany apartment. It’s innovative technology, intuitive mobile app, easy installation, and seamless integration with other Nest and Google devices make it perfect for apartments and allows you to create a security system tailored for you and your family.
Schedule a tour of New Albany apartments today and come see why Northwoods is one of the best apartment communities for families in the Columbus area. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can’t wait to help you and your family find your new home.