You lock your doors, maybe even have a dog that barks at everything from squirrels to delivery drivers, but when it comes to real peace of mind, few things beat knowing your home is under watch—even when you’re not there. Security cameras used to be the stuff of banks and office buildings, but today, they’re a standard tool in residential protection. The tricky part isn’t whether you need them—it’s where you put them. Set them up in the wrong spots and you could be missing the moments that matter most. Let’s talk about the five most important locations to place surveillance cameras, and why each one plays a different role in keeping your home and family safe.
Why You Need Home Security Cameras in the First Place
Let’s start with the big picture. Before we talk about placement, it helps to understand why home security cameras are such a valuable investment. The top reasons range from deterring crime and catching package thieves to providing evidence in case of a break-in or dispute. And let’s be honest: even if you live in a safe neighborhood, all it takes is one unexpected incident to make you wish you’d installed cameras yesterday.
Cameras do more than record—they actively reduce risk. Just seeing a visible lens can be enough to make a potential intruder think twice. They can also notify you of motion, alert you to strangers lingering near your property, and provide visual records for insurance claims or police reports if needed.
Smart Cameras are Really Worth the Upgrade
Here’s where it gets interesting. Not all surveillance tools are created equal, and if you’re serious about protecting your home, smart cameras are where you want to focus. These upgraded systems don’t just record—they think. They offer features like motion detection, cloud storage, two-way audio, and AI-powered alerts that let you know whether it was the wind or an actual person triggering movement.
The benefit isn’t just cool tech—it’s efficiency. Smart cameras cut through the noise of constant alerts and show you what actually matters. Some systems can distinguish between people, pets, and packages, sending tailored notifications to your phone without overwhelming you. Others allow for integration with garage doors, smart locks, or lights, creating a full ecosystem that works together to protect your space. They are also better at storing and organizing footage, so if you do need to pull up a specific time and date, you’re not scrolling through hours of footage.
Check the Front Door
The front door is the most common entry point for guests and intruders alike, which makes it the number one spot for a surveillance camera. Whether it’s deliveries, kids coming home from school, or someone testing to see if you’re out of town, your front door sees a lot of action. And if it’s unmonitored, you’re missing a critical opportunity to document and deter potential problems.
A camera at the front door should be positioned high enough to capture facial features clearly but angled to avoid glare or blocked views from porch lights or decor. This spot is also where doorbell cameras shine, offering a discreet way to check who’s at the door without even getting up. But whether you go doorbell-style or mount a standalone cam, the key is visibility.
Back and Side Entrances
Here’s a common oversight: many homeowners install cameras at the front of the house and call it a day. But in reality, most burglars know that the back or side entrance is where they’ll face the least resistance. It’s often quieter, more concealed, and less likely to be monitored. That’s exactly why it should be one of the first places you install a second camera for home security.
Back doors, basement entries, and side gates should all have eyes on them. These cameras are especially helpful if they have night vision, given how often these areas are poorly lit. They’re not just for catching intruders either—they help ensure kids get home safely, monitor any side deliveries, and give you a complete view of what’s happening outside your line of sight.
Cameras Inside the House
It might seem like overkill at first, but indoor cameras serve a different function than outdoor ones—and they’re just as useful. Living rooms, entryways, and hallways are all high-traffic areas that can provide insight in the event of a break-in or emergency. If someone does manage to get inside, indoor footage can help track their movements, identify stolen items, and provide solid evidence for insurance or law enforcement.
But the benefit doesn’t stop at security. Indoor cameras also help you keep an eye on pets, kids, house cleaners, or repair crews while you’re away. Some families even use them as baby monitors or check-in tools for older parents or teens who spend time home alone. Discretion is key here. Cameras should be placed in corners or high on shelves to avoid being intrusive while still covering a wide area.
