Lowe's Home Improvement

Lowe’s: A Pillar of Home Improvement in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and Beyond

Lowe’s Companies, Inc., founded in 1921 as a small hardware store in North Carolina, has grown into one of the world’s largest home improvement retailers, offering everything from appliances and tools to paint, lumber, and outdoor living essentials. With a focus on customer service, quality products, and community support, Lowe’s has established a strong footprint across the United States. In Central New York, particularly in Syracuse and the surrounding Onondaga County area, Lowe’s plays a vital role in supporting homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts. Extending outward to about 100 miles from Syracuse, the company’s stores serve a broader region encompassing cities like Rochester, Binghamton, Utica, Watertown, Ithaca, Oswego, and Auburn. This article explores Lowe’s presence, history in the area, and its positive impact on local communities.

Lowe’s Stores in Syracuse and Onondaga County
Syracuse, the heart of Onondaga County, is home to a key Lowe’s location that serves as a go-to destination for residents tackling home projects big and small.

• The Syracuse store at 131 Simon Drive, Syracuse, NY 13224, offers extended hours—typically open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.—and features departments for hardware, appliances, gardening, and more. This store is strategically located near major roadways, making it accessible for urban and suburban shoppers alike.

Onondaga County boasts several other Lowe’s outlets, reflecting the company’s investment in the region. The first Lowe’s in the county opened in Cicero in the summer of 2005, followed by the Camillus location in early 2006, marking a significant expansion into the area. Today, key stores include:

• Cicero: 5701 East Circle Drive, Cicero, NY 13039 – A spacious outlet known for its wide selection of building materials and seasonal items.

• Camillus: 5377 W Genesee Street, Camillus, NY 13031 – Convenient for western Onondaga residents, with strong emphasis on outdoor power equipment and lawn care.

• Clay (Liverpool): 3856 State Route 31, Liverpool, NY 13090 – Popular for major appliance deals and home décor, serving the northern suburbs.

These stores not only provide essential goods but also create hundreds of jobs, contributing to the local economy in Onondaga County, which includes Syracuse and its immediate environs.

Extending the Reach: Lowe’s Within 100 Miles of Syracuse
Syracuse’s central location in New York State positions it as a hub, with a 100-mile radius covering much of Central New York and parts of the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and North Country. Lowe’s has capitalized on this by establishing stores in nearby cities, ensuring rural and urban customers alike have access to home improvement resources. Approximate distances from Syracuse are noted for context.

• Oswego (about 35 miles north): 445 State Route 104, Oswego, NY 13126 – Ideal for lakeside communities, with a focus on boating and outdoor supplies.

• Oneida (about 30 miles east): 1200 Lowe’s Drive, Oneida, NY 13421 – Serves the eastern edge of Onondaga’s influence, popular for tools and project planning.

• Utica (about 50 miles east): 710 Horatio Street, Utica, NY 13502 – A staple for Mohawk Valley residents, offering everything needed for renovations in historic homes.

• Watertown (about 70 miles north): 20828 New York State Route 3, Watertown, NY 13601 – Caters to the North Country’s rugged needs, including snow removal gear and heating solutions.

• Ithaca (about 50 miles south): 130 Fairgrounds Memorial Parkway, Ithaca, NY 14850 – Supports the college town’s eco-conscious crowd with sustainable building materials.

• Binghamton (about 70 miles south): 1318 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 – A key spot in the Southern Tier for kitchen and bath remodels.

• Rochester (Greece) (about 80 miles west): 3150 West Ridge Road, Greece, NY 14626 – One of several in the Rochester metro, focusing on urban home upgrades.

• Auburn (about 25 miles west): Lowe’s has a presence here as part of its New York network, serving the Finger Lakes region with comprehensive inventory.

This network ensures that whether you’re in the bustling streets of Syracuse or the quieter towns like Auburn or Oswego, a Lowe’s is never too far away. The company’s expansion in the mid-2000s aligned with regional growth, providing timely access to materials during housing booms and recovery efforts.

Community Impact and Involvement
Beyond retail, Lowe’s has made a lasting mark on Central New York through its philanthropic initiatives. As part of the national “Lowe’s Hometowns” program—a five-year, $100 million commitment to revitalize community spaces—the company has invested in local projects that foster education, safety, and empowerment.

A standout example is the renovation of the Mary Nelson Youth Center in Syracuse. In 2021-2022, Lowe’s partnered with HGTV’s “Build It Forward” series to transform the center, which supports at-risk youth and families in combating poverty and violence. The project included new facilities for education, recreation, and community gatherings, helping the center expand services and create a safe haven. Mary Nelson, the founder, emphasized how the makeover has empowered kids to complete their education and build self-sufficiency. This initiative not only beautified the space but also addressed broader social issues like ending community violence.

Lowe’s encourages nominations for such projects, allowing residents to suggest hometown improvements. In Central New York, these efforts align with the region’s needs, from supporting youth programs in Syracuse to broader community revitalization. The company’s involvement extends to disaster relief, employee volunteerism, and partnerships with local organizations, reinforcing its role as a community partner.

Challenges and Recent Developments
Like any major retailer, Lowe’s in the Syracuse area has faced occasional challenges. In late 2025, local news highlighted an incident involving fraudulent transactions at the Syracuse store, leading to the arrest of a police officer after a multi-month investigation. Such events underscore the importance of security measures, which Lowe’s continues to prioritize to protect customers and staff.

Despite this, the overall narrative remains positive, with Lowe’s adapting to seasonal demands—like early holiday decorations noted by locals—and maintaining strong community ties.

Conclusion
Lowe’s has woven itself into the fabric of Syracuse, Onondaga County, and the surrounding 100-mile radius, providing not just products but also economic opportunities and community support. From the bustling Syracuse store to outposts in Watertown and Binghamton, Lowe’s ensures Central New Yorkers have the tools to build better homes and lives. As the region evolves, Lowe’s commitment—rooted in its century-long history—positions it as an enduring partner in progress.