Les, these days the Internet is a monster information machine. I do believe asking Quesada people what it's like to live in Quesada would bring a very biased response! Come, stay and see !
But of course. Nothing wrong with Quesada.
I live about 10 mins up the road, in the real countryside, but only a stones throw away from Quesada, little more peace and fields around me, which I prefer. Happy to jump in the car for a 10 min drive to Quesada, I can walk to Rojales & Beniamar as not too far away.
Horses for courses. You will get a little more for your money if just outside of main area such as central Quesada - so a balance, plenty of other places around / nearby as well. Renting always good initially, give yourself time to find your feet.
We rented initially in Orihuela Costa / Playa Famenca. Hated it, tourist central in the summer, traffic on the N332, drunk holiday makers screaming past your door early hours, building works....No thanks. Living in a backward farming village, 10 mins from beach, everyone friendly, no crime, no traffic and no issues parking & nice mix of Spanish & expats.
For me the worst thing would be to move to 'little Britain' not interested in spending all day in bars and Kareoke - fortunately not too much of that in Quesada - more of it Torre / Orihuela Costa. Some like it, not everyone....
Quite like having 'one foot in both camps' local Spanish restaurants / tapas bars etc, then when I need an Indian / Chinese / familiar take aways, only 5-10 mins.