Living in Paisley - What can you expect?
Paisley is situated in Renfrewshire, Scotland. It’s around a 20-minute drive from Glasgow and with a train journey from Paisley Gilmour Street to Glasgow Central costing around £2.50, commuting to Glasgow is easy.
You may have heard of Paisley from the famous “Paisley pattern”, which has been worn by everyone from monarchs to musicians and seen all over the world. The famous textile originated here, but there is much more to Scotland’s largest town than its rich history with fabrics.
As of 2024, Paisley has a population of 77,263 friendly residents. Many Paisley “Buddies” commute to Glasgow city centre for work or entertainment, but that isn’t a necessity as there is plenty to see and do within this captivating town.
If you are interested in moving to the area, we have a number of new-build homes in Paisley for you to explore.
Things to do in Paisley, Scotland
In the town centre, you'll find church spires piercing the skies, your favourite high street stores mixed in with local shops, and pubs, takeaways, cafes, and restaurants to meet your food or retail cravings.
You also have easy access to beautiful hikes or walks through Gleniffer Braes Country Park, which has an abundance of plants and local wildlife. It makes for a perfect peaceful retreat for dog walks or taking in some outstanding views.
But if you want to experience the vibrant energy of Glasgow, it is just a short journey away by train, bus or car.
Schools in Paisley and Renfrewshire
St Catherine’s Primary School in Paisley is a great local school. There is also the new Paisley Grammar School for secondary school age children due for completion in 2026. When moving your children to a new school you can ask for assistance from the local council, in this case Renfrewshire, to help you with your transfer request.
Cost of Living in Paisley
We have collected some approximate expenses for living in Paisley based on consumer data from LivingCost.org.
The site ranks Paisley as the 159th most expensive place to live in the UK out 277 cities.
|
Commodity |
Price (on average) in Paisley |
|
Transport |
£147 per month (family of 4) |
|
Utilities |
£197 per month (family of 4) |
|
Rent |
£1843 (family of 4) |
|
Gym membership |
£32 per month |
|
1 month of day care |
£970 |
|
Cappuccino |
£3.17 |
|
Beer in a Pub |
£4.21 |
Where to visit in Paisley
The Paisley Centre
The Paisley Shopping Centre is home to some of your favourite high street stores and was officially opened in 1992 by Princess Diana.
Paisley Abbey
A wondrous and historic parish church that is located on the east bank of the White Cart Water and was built in 1163. Paisley Abbey has endured as a grand example of the stunning architecture in Paisley. It’s perfect to visit all year round to soak in the history and admire the stunning stained-glass windows.
The Bungalow
This independent live music venue is perfect if you love gigs, listening to new music or are just a fan of great nightlife. The Bungalow has been the home to popular music acts since the seventies, supporting performers such as Paolo Nutini, Toploader, and more to hone their skills on stage.
Gleniffer Braes Country Park
Located on the edge of Paisley, this breathtaking country park provides you with walks, cycle routes, views, wildlife, and an overall great day out, whether you’re solo or with family and friends. It is also excellent for animal lovers with a variety of birds and cattle all living within the park.
What transport is in Paisley?
Car
Paisley town centre is just a 20-minute drive from Glasgow city centre making commuting easy. Paisley is located close to the M8 which gives you access to Edinburgh, Kilmarnock, Hamilton & Langbank.
Bus
Paisley has over 70 buses per hour in the town centre. You will be able to get between Paisley centre and Glasgow city centre on the 17, 38 and 26. Meaning there are multiple options and routes available.
Train
There are three train stations in Paisley. Paisley Gilmour Street, Paisley Canal and Paisley St James that offer trips to Glasgow in just 10 minutes. You can also access trains to neighbouring areas such as Wemyss Bay, Gourock, Prestwick and Ardrossan Harbour among other destinations.
Plane
Glasgow Airport is just a 5-minute drive from Paisley town centre, with flights available to over 130 destinations. Including popular destinations such as Turkey, Spain, Birmingham, Dublin and Hungary.
Is Paisley in Glasgow?
No, Paisley is not in Glasgow, it is located in Renfrewshire but borders the city of Glasgow and is approximately 10 miles away. It can be accessed with public transport or by car.
Should I move to Paisley?
If you are looking at moving to Glasgow or nearby, Paisley is a great option for you. This scenic and historic town is perfect for professionals, those looking to start a family or those who want to build roots in a culturally rich area.
If you are looking to buy a new home in Paisley, check out our current offers including Part Exchange and cash contribution.
Developments near Paisley
If you would like to buy a new home in Paisley, explore our developments in the area now.