I live on the borders of Phichit and Phitsanulok, lovely quiet backwater, nice people, easy going lifestyle, if you want Pattaya style entertainment good luck finding it.
Great place to retire, if you're happy with what you've got, good road network to Bangkok, easy 4 hour drive, Mae Sot, 3 hours, Chiang Mai, about 5 hours.
There is a ex-pat community that meets up on a regular basis, a few play golf.