Life in Dolores de Pacheco

Dolores de Pacheco is very Spanish and quite spread out, there are about 2000 inhabitants which means that it has facilities such as health centre, pharmacy, bars, small supermarket etc. It has schools, sports complex, municipal swimming pool etc. Its very much countryside in parts and there are small pockets of houses and new developments. It is close to Roda where there is a bigger international community. It's not far from the Mar menor; los narejos and los alcazares which have bigger supermarkets and a variety of bars and restaurants but you would need to drive there or maybe cycle if that's your thing and its not too hot. As for crime, same as anywhere that's quite rural, its not crime central but there are robberies of the fincas and opportunists about. What is it about a working village that appeals to you? San Cayetano is a smaller village nearby and is more integrated than Dolores de Pacheco so could also be worth a look if your looking for semi rural but not isolation. 

Thanks Dax for you extremely helpfull info. I live in a working village in Belgium, not picture perfect but the presence of an indigenous working population helped me to integrate when I first arrived as a young man. This brought opportunities for socialising and making friends. The presence of both spanish and expats in Spain seems to me a great bonus when you need to find your way in a new area. Thanks again for your info. Regards Simon