La Herrada

I can see you have looked at various places and this is wise but without a car in La Herrada you will be stuck.
You need to be on a bus route and the only bus from the airport is direct to Torrevieja bus station which I understand is going to move to land diagonally opposite Las Habaneras shopping centre. Happy to be corrected if this is no longer happening, or if it is....when, but this area would be where I would look in your situation.
As someone said on a previous post, most Spanish properties are single skin and have no insulation so a white noise machine or earplugs would be useful, as would thermal underwear for the colder months because any heat produced will go straight out the walls, windows and roof without a lot of money being spent.
In smaller properties inverter air conditioning will be a bonus whilst open plan design with open stairs will make it harder to heat. 
Without increasing your budget substantially these are things that will be a problem everywhere here.
I would suggest you visit off season and get a bus timetable and travel all local routes, noting areas you like the look of then use google maps to see how long it will take to walk to different places and how often the bus goes (winter timetables will be less regular).
Orihuela Costa has a long standing issue with paying in a large majority of Orihuela city's income and getting little to show for it.
Also find out which supermarket you like. We use Mercadona as the only supermarket we can do a full weekly shop, Lidl for a few bits, Aldi for nothing (!), Consum is ok and there are others we do not like very much but you will need to get your shopping home (buy a trolley) so you don't want to be lugging it uphill or a long distance.
When you find the area that suits only then start looking on sites such as Kyero.
Then come back on here for tips about Estate Agents, solicitors etc.

Thank you very much for such an informative reply.  We are having to look at areas where our budget allows and it now means that we either bring our car to Spain or buy a runaround to keep in Spain at the airport. 

I'd really like to know what amenities there are in the immediate area for socialising and shopping. Again our criteria is having to change slightly in that we know we won't be able to be in the thick of it all but a few bars and restaurants, shops within walking distance and open all year round would be fine. 

Any further insight into this particular area is most welcome.

Thanks again 😊

We have a holiday home in La Herreda,we always have a 10/15 minute walk to the square were you find lots of cafes bars & restaurants shops of every kind.Even a gym.there are a couple of bars on site & a big supermarket communal pools beautiful green areas etc.Yes a car is advisable we Bought a second hand car as we love to explore different places.We are also in our 50s,& love the Spanish way of life Good luck in your search & hope you find the perfect place for you 

Hi Sue22

Thanks for your reply, it certainly sounds like there is enough going on in the area within walking distance to keep us entertained when we want to go out to socialise and to get our shopping in. 

This area definitely sounds to be worth a visit so we will hire a car to get us around. I keep having to get out of the 'holiday mode' mindset as we wouldn't just be spending a week or 2 there, more like a month or 2 each time. 

Hi, from one Daftjock to another. I own a quad style 3bed 2bath villa in La Herrada. Bought new in 2007 and now up for sale. Well maintained, clean, tidy property, simple and easy to flit in and out of.

I've never really had a problem with La Herrada or Los Montesinos. A truly tradional Spanish area. It is quiet just like back home, the way i like it. A car is very useful. Some local folks do runs to the airports and to the surrounding towns, if you don't want to drive. I have car rental contacts with no hassle hire. I regularly do runs down to La Manga or up to Santa Pola, and locally to my favourite beach at Guardamar Del Segura which actually stretches all the way down to La Mata/Torrevieja and beyond to La Zenia. Yes, a car is nearly essential for me.

So if you would like to know more send me a reply or 'private message' me.

Cheers Ian