Best area to stay while in Amsterdam?

Jordaan. Here's a taste:

https://goo.gl/maps/hySrfMZuZS3WCLsB9

Denise, we were in Amsterdam (5 nights) last month and stayed in the Museumplein at a B & B in a residential area. We were a couple blocks from the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museums and VondelPark. We walked everywhere including the Jordaan and DePijp areas. All these areas have wonderful cafes and restaurants. We also enjoyed a canal cruise on a pleasant afternoon to see Amsterdam from another perspective. Have a wonderful tIme!

Central Canal Ring or Jordaan.

Denise,
On many visits, we've liked the Central Station area. I know, sounds crazy, but after seeing Amsterdam you can step on a tram or train and see outlying towns such as Zaans Shans, Giethoorn or Rotterdam. Wherever you stay, if it's summer, be sure you have A/C. Leaving windows open near canals invites bugs & bites.
Buy tickets online for museums & try to go early in the day when they're least crowded.
Enjoy! Mary

Anywhere in Central Amsterdam would be fine. I would be less concerned about the area and more about my price range and finding an available room in someplace that appears satisfactory. Rooms tend to fill up fast.

We have also stayed in Haarlem and just took the train in. Haarlem itself is very pleasant for walks and has an active nightlife.

We used to stay in a B&B out by the soccer stadium. All the B&B's in the area have sold as condos, and they're not nearly as easy to find now. We now stay at a business hotel out at the airport and catch a train into the center city. Largest, nicest rooms we've ever stayed in--anywhere--at a very fair price.
I would tell most travelers to stay close to the museums--Museumkwartier.

hey hey denise
when is this trip planned, how many people, any mobility issues with climbing stairs/steps, budget in euros?
we've been twice, once in a houseboat in jordaan area and another in an apartment on prinsengracht near amstel river. it's a walking city, public transportation is great, lots of shops, cafes, activities if you stay within the city rings.
it is an expensive city and gets booked up fast, if you see something you like, check cancellation policies, read fine print and book it. enjoy and have fun
aloha

Suggest De Pijp. Great access to the museums near Vondelpark and away from the tourists.

Park close to the Pijp is Sarphati park but Vondelpark ( practically next to the Rijksmuseum) is not that far if you stay in the PIJP.
The famous Albert Cuyp market is also in the PIJP.

We stayed in de Pijp a few years ago (because I found an airbnb in my price range). Luckily, we were only a block from the tram and the tram would take us to Museumplein in about 3 stops. They were also putting in tracks at that time to go to the center. (Just finishing when we left). Tons of restaurants in the area as well, and even walking it was about 10-15 min to the first of the canals (and the Heineken brewery).

"Anywhere in Central Amsterdam would be fine. I would be less concerned about the area and more about my price range and finding an available room in someplace that appears satisfactory. Rooms tend to fill up fast."

That's my experience too. In Amsterdam, demand outstrips supply, so be prepared to either pay more than you had hoped to, or settle for less than what you wanted at your price point.

Here's a great article about Amsterdam accommodations. Despite the website's name, it doesn't just apply to the "cheap" places: https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/amsterdam-hotel-advice.html

We liked the Leidseplein area near the Prinsengracht Canal. It is centrally located and it was easy to walk to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum from there, as well as the Anne Frank House, Singel Canal Flower market, and the Lovers Boat cruise on the canals. We especially enjoyed the location of the Dikker and Thijs Fenice Hotel on the Prinsengracht Canal. There are trams nearby as well.

We stayed in Haarlem and loved going back there each night! It was peaceful, quaint and had lovely restaurants. We stayed in an AirBnb and then just rode the train in each day. It was nice after spending a very busy, crowded day to go to Haarlem. And, they had great museums, farmer's market, and sites in Haarlem.