I've visited many places in Thailand and was struck by how they all looked basically the same. I've lived in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Bang Bua Thong, Jomtien, and am at my 2nd to last final destination in Chanthaburi.
Jomtien is the place for me. Close enough to Pattaya for the club fun, great hospitals and Tuckom, and far away enough to avoid the Pattaya two-week-millionaire idiots. Quiet, very affordable condos on the beach, and easy access to bicycling trails on the dark side.
So to answer your question, for ME, staying in Jomtien is the choice.