Staying in Nord District of Amsterdam?

I almost stayed there on my last trip and would definitely stay there if I go back. For one thing, it's usually less expensive than the other side, and it's a cool place, imo. I did not find it overly noisy, although as I said, I didn't stay there. But I did spend some time there in the markets and eating and so on, and enjoyed it a lot. The buildings are really interesting, too, and it has a more residential feel to it.

I'm sure it's as safe as anyplace else in Amsterdam, which is pretty safe.

North of which canal? There is no shortage of canals in Amsterdam. But if you mean north of the IJ, why not? For the right price it's not a bad place to stay and I would not be worried about safety. Connections to the central parts of Amsterdam are not that bad as you discovered. Although if you're planning to visit other places in the Netherlands I'd consider staying somewhere with better access to the rest of the country.

I used to stay at NH Nord frequently, but it has been a while since I was last there or even in Amsterdam. However, looking at google maps shows me the area has changed immensely with many more restaurants and amenities. It is now more built up and residential. I always considered it safe although it was quite a mixed neighborhood at the time. The best thing is the nice walk to the free ferry to go across to Amsterdam. Operates late into the night if not all night.
I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again if I ever go back to the area.
As for noise-it wasn’t when I was there, but I would have no idea how much that may or may not have changed.

Thank you for the reassurance. This is my first time booking in Europe and our AAA travel agent ghosted us, so we are scrambling. We are in Norway and then 4 days in Amsterdam before going home. Probably not visiting other cities in the Netherlands this time.

We used to stay at Amsterland SUD, and take a 10 minute tram into the center city.

The B&B's in the area have essentially disappeared. The owners found out they could break up the properties and sell them as condos--and make a bunch of money without having to work so hard.

I decided to cancel the Nord area, after getting advice from a local to look in Westermarkt and Noordmarkt. I booked The Linden in Jordaan, a Rick Steves recommended hotel. It's a splurge for us, but I feel better being closer to the action. Wyatt at reception was very nice, and I expect we will enjoy our stay there.

First of all, I’m quite surprised to see French names/words used to indicate neighborhoods in Amsterdam. We kicked the French out in 1813 already :-)
So it’s Amsterdam Noord (=north) not Nord and Amsterdam Zuid (=South) not Sud.

Ever since the Noord-Zuid metro line opened in 2018, Amsterdam Noord has been given a boost. Lots of restaurants, hotels etc opened for business, but it still has managed to maintain a local feel. Very much the total opposite of the Canal Zone, which the Jordaan neighborhood is part of. That part of Amsterdam is absolute tourist center. Nothing wrong with that, because the tourists are there for a good reason; to enjoy the sights of the UNESCO world heritage site. But it can get very busy and even too busy in some days.