One of my adult kids is part of the trend: move the family out of the Lower Mainland. They lived in nice townhouse in Burnaby.  They're left for Cordova Bay, in Greater Victoria. Good schools, nice neighbourhood, and they didn't have to choose from available housing--they're renting a family home in their future neighbourhood while they BUILD the new home.  It was a very conscious decision based on these factors: 
1. What's it going to cost to "move up" to a more spacious--but not necessarily newer-- Lower Mainland home? (too much)
2. How much do we really like this intensely urban environment we live in? (not that much)
3. What's the price appreciation on the townhouse? (wow!)
4. What are land costs in Greater Victoria compared to Lower Mainland? (lower...)
5. Move our jobs? (no problem!)
Also, it must be said, both parents grew up islanders; some family still there, so...

Up next yr: youngest kid, living with family in South Surrey. Add "safety and security" to the rationale.