3817 N Richmond St, 22207

north arlington above lee highway would work-they could go back and forth on the chain bridge. there is a nice pocket of townhouses near marymount if they don't want yard maintenance.

Paying estate tax later might be a good tradeoff for getting to spend time with grandchildren now thanks to the added convenience of living nearby. That's worth a whole lot, even if it's not measurable in dollars and cents.

If they're open to condo/townhome living, Fairlington in S. Arlington (near Shirlington) is a great mixed-age, dog friendly community.

Not sure about the commute but I've heard great things about the Lake Barcroft community in Falls Church, lots of fun ways to entertain children and there is a group of older people forming a community, or something like that.

But, if they hope to be regularly involved with your children, I would seriously hope they factor in the traffic of commuting. Perhaps they can rent a house for a month or something?

OP here: budget - could go up to 950 but less is obviously better.

OP here: we live in AU Park so I was thinking of McLean only because it seems close via chain bridge but I honestly don't go to VA very often and I'm worried about the traffic. They want a mixed age community where we're going to want to hang out too - not an 'old folks place.' For now they're leaning towards SFH and they do have a dog.

Do they want a 55+ neighborhood? Those floor plans usually include one level living.

If they are planning on aging here, should they be looking near public transportation/walkability (for when they no longer drive) and a single-level condo (no stairs, no yardwork)? Are they open to that?

Since your In-lw do not have to worry about school zone, they can be anywhere in NoVA. The primary issue, I think, would be how much can they tolerate the traffic from VA to DC. Meaning, parts of NoVa would be challenging to go thru the traffic during busy rush-hour.
Also, what parts of DC do InLws has to travel to?
NW? or farther away from downtown, say, Tenleytown or even farther out?
Also, are they looking for SFH or condo?

They're focused on the estate taxes in MD and DC and don't seem open to looking beyond VA. It's likely going to be the last place they buy and my FIL is loathe to the idea of handing over a good % of his savings in estate tax.
I get where he's coming from but lessening our child care cost is good trade off. That said, for right now, they're focused on VA. Thanks.

Why don't they want to live in DC?

If you live in DC, they are not going to want to be driving to and from VA at rush hour(s) in the afternoon/evening. If they are relocating here to be part of your life, you should figure out a plan to at least live in the same state.

What is their budget?

My in-laws are looking to relocate to the NOVA area so that they can be closer to us in DC and possibly transition to being part of the kids daily after school care plans. What are some good NOVA neighborhoods that are easily accessible to/from DC (mileage and traffic)? Looking for a house with a master on the main floor and a 'community feel'. Thanks in advance.