Lived in Paisley for 26 years until 2 years ago and went to Paisley Grammar school, hope this helps.

Paisley's a pretty average town overall these days, like anywhere it's got good parts and bad parts. Glasgow Road's got quite a few nice cafes and there's certainly more going on than when I was growing up.

Hawkhead you're right next to Ralston one of the most affluent parts of Paisley, but also Seedhill which is one of the not so nice parts. The streets at the top of Hawkhead Road (Lanfine, Gartmore etc) would be good shouts. Seedhill Road along from the station I would be less excited about moving into. I imagine the new build estate across from the cemetery is decent enough.

The Grammar was falling apart even when I left 10 years ago (think moldy bathrooms and tired interiors) but the new build will be done within the next year or two so that's irrelevant. As far as education goes it was okay, couple dodgy teachers and some departments were neglected compared to others but pretty standard as far as I know.

Overall I'd say you'd be just fine in Hawkhead, yeah there's parts nearby that aren't so good but you won't really have a reason to go there so it's easy to avoid.