Norfolk is definitely not "sexy," even though it can be a very decent, good place to live ...anyones heard of Virginia Beach? Williamsburg??
But I believe the major factor is 2 issues ...
1. More SWOs doing Protramids there than anywhere's else ...it's "old hat." (And ... a whole bunch of those had poor experiences, sitting @ the pier, chipping paint, counting seagulls. Make that "lousy, hot, old hat." We all know the story of the grass being greener, the "other" place being exotic, the idyllic clime of San Diego, hula and geisha girls of the Pacific, outdoor wonders of the Northwest, beaches of FL ...
Whadya say of Norfolk? "Lots of cool tunnels and traffic back-ups!" Does anyone know anyone ... who last trumpeted ..."I'm SOOOOO excited! We're going to NORFOLK for vacation!! YIPPEE!"??????
Perception is not reality is not perception is not reality is not ...
2. It is a perceptual suburb/extension of the Yard. The very place virtually every one of those soon-to-be ensigns want to ESCAPE!
This is viewed as wing-spreading, adventure time ... not COL, great housing @ fair prices and proximity to the ship, family fun spots, wonderful churches and synagogues, great opportunities for signif others, super places to get that next degree, wonderful school systems, etc. One day very soon those will matter ...but not on this port-o-call. This is pure geography and the ignorance of youth.
btw, did we mention distance from ma n pa???