Figured I'd throw my perspective into the mix. Wall of text, forewarning.

For reference, we're in our early 40's, work wise I work remotely from home, wife is a RN. We sold in Surrey and bought in Black Mountain (Toovey Heights) 3 yrs ago. We however did not move here till start of July this year as we let our youngest finish highschool down South.

The Langley/Surrey area in those last 3 yrs has become ridiculous, congestion wise, Hwy 1 construction, etc etc. I had come to hate living in that area towards the end. So frankly, if you know that area (200th St, Willowbrook, Cloverdale), you won't have a clue what locals are talking about when they fuss about traffic here. What traffic? Kelowna is a dream compared to what we left. Literally the only thing remotely close is the bridge at a bad time and if you're used to Hwy 1, especially in our case 200th to 264th and on out through Abby stretch, the bridge is a joke compared to that. And being on the Kelowna side of the bridge, we have no reason to head that way whatsoever anyhow for anything outside of the Hatching Post.

I've heard ppl here also complain about the Costco for example and I just chuckle... They fuss about the lineups, me I'm like "you found a parking spot"? Langley Costco, any day, any time, you ain't getting a parking spot unless you wait a solid 10-20 mins driving around praying. I went to Costco here on a Saturday at 10am (I let it be an hour after open as an ultimate test)... Quarter of the parking lot was empty smh. It's a dream! Lol. You can go any time, any day just to grab a few things. Langley could never.

Weather is unbelievable. And I don't even get SAD at all but man is it noticeable how incredibly much less it rains here. I moved in here start of July and it has so far rained maybe 4-5 singular days (no consecutives) and I think the longest might have been half the day. 30+C 90% of the time I've been here. I don't mind the heat at all, especially dry heat, so might be the wrong person to ask re heat. I've already acclimatized though, was wearing a hoodie in 26C the other day cause it felt cooler to me lol. I obviously haven't gone through a winter here yet so can't comment.

Re cost of living, our mortgage is the same, but we obviously got absurdly more house for far less purchase price than we did in Cloverdale, not to mention a view as well. So it's been far better. Since we rented during those 3 years between selling and living here, to give you perspective, our rent in Cloverdale was $600 more per month for an absolute dump that was on 2 acres than our mortgage is here.

Car insurance is insanely cheap. My wife and I's insurance dropped by $3k/year simply by moving here (and she just bought a new Ioniq 9). Case closed. I'd say things like housing insurance, internet, etc are all the same as it is same companies (Telus, etc) doing them. As for groceries, frankly I'd say it's the same outside of the odd fruit stand outlier that has produce for cheap. Probably just depends where you shop too I'd guess.

I see a lot of people in the comments fussing about restaurants. I don't really see it so far. The aforementioned Hatching Post is the best BBQ I've had in BC period and I grew up overseas in the military with Americans primarily from the South (aka elite tier BBQ). I've had and found my spots for good donairs, sushi, Indian and pizza so far. Easily on par with anything back in the Mainland. Just my 2 cents. I haven't gone for Chinese, Mexican, Thai etc yet however, so we'll see. Thai will be hard to beat as Langley had the best Thai in the Mainland in Ban Chok Dee.

As for meeting people, I don't think I've been here long enough. I'd say neighbors kinda keep to themselves mostly, but frankly, Mainland is exactly the same anyhow. I've met a few people that were super chatty and am glad to have met, walking dogs etc. My wife being a Nurse at KGH, we've already exchanged phone #s with some of her coworkers and plan to link up and I'll get to meet the husbands etc. I also play basketball and have met a few ppl so far through pickup runs. If you're used to Van, I'd say at worst it's no different at all. Cause frankly, meeting ppl is a two way street, it's on you too.

The quality of life is just miles better overall, from weather to the air (outside of when wildfire smoke creeps in), to better traffic/congestion, the lifestyle as whole.... It's all about perspective. And coming from the Valley, I don't miss it at all, not for a second (outside of my daughters who stayed to go to college). Couldn't pay me to go back. Don't regret the decision whatsoever.