All things being equal, proximity reaps rewards. I cannot speak to the VA folks' comments as I don't live in VA. But I do live ten minutes in traffic from our DCs' schools and it is really worth it. And I think I will appreciate it even more when they age and have more afterschool practices and games.

Walking distance is quite wonderful. Once a car is involved little difference between five and fifteen minutes. We do the walking. Sounds like you have the time to arrange for that if you so choose.

It's interesting several VA people have chimed in that they are ten minutes to their DC private and people are still talking about the distance? What? I go back and forth to our school sometimes three times a day if I have an activity and another child activity and it's no problem. The only thing closer would be my neighborhood school and I wanted to go private. FWIW..we are closer to our DC private than Langley and a smidge closer than to Potomac.. No issues at all with playdates..none. Back to OP question on proximinity..We felt that over 15 minutes and it becomes a drag..but that is us. You have to decide where your sweet spot is for driving. We also have a number of car pool options available (although driving is so easy I haven't used them yet)..so that could be an option if you are further and their isn't a a bus.