I think Naklua is actually better then any of the places mentioned. And, only a few minutes to Central mall, Terminal 21, many restuarant choices, etc. Unfortunately, Jomtien has not much going on. Want to go to the movies, a food court, a mall, western type fast food or have more choices of restaurants, got to go over the hill. I bet 90% of the people at that over priced Central food court are from Jomtien.
I was just in Hua Hin. it is nice, but rentals near the beach with views seem 3 times that of Pattaya. Plus, that one road coming and out can be a traffic nightmare. If one does not care about sex and booze it might be OK just more expensive.