I'm kind of worried about landing a job before we pick a specific neighborhood...
I think that is smart.
Traffic is not bad in Des Moines compared to other cities but I'm on my third home since relocating to Des Moines metro (W DSM and Ankeny previously two homes) and I'm grateful that my commute downtown no longer requires me to have rely on the Interstate. That was intentional on my part. It is a quality of life issue to me, but may not be as big a deal to some. I still smile every-time I take a bridge over I-235 heading to or from work and look down at cars sitting bumper to bumper or being held up due to an accident.
Some other personal opinions:
* if you attend a lot of ISU events, it sure is nice to live in the northern part of the metro. (Des Moines, Ankeny). Might not seem like a big deal, but is nice to save yourself 15 - 20 mins or more one-way to Ames.
* I live in neighborhood that borders Beaverdale (even though we are technically considered part of the Beaverdale Neighborhood Assoc). It is a nice area - 15 mins from downtown, 10 mins from I35/I80. A variety of housing stock. Business District of its own (which helps give you you smaller town feel. Lot's of bike trails.
* My experience after to living in two suburbs and now the city is this. While the shiny/new of the suburbs is nice, we found it easier to connect with neighbors in the city. Who knows why. One theory - I think people that choose specifically to locate in the city do it intentionally for various reasons....so you already likely have something in common with your neighbors.....i.e...you're not following the herd with everyone else in moving to the burbs....there is nothing unique about making that choice. I"m not saying one is right or wrong just that I think people that have a common appreciation and recognize it.
* Decide if you want to be beholden to your car to access everything or if you want some amenities within walking or a quick bike ride.