Hi, We are retirees and moved to Malta just over a year ago. We too wanted somewhere not too far from shops etc (having lived in rural France for the previous 7 years with the closest small town being 6.5kms away and seemed a lot further than that in the snowy winters we always had). We also wanted a nice view.
We chose Mellieha and decided to rent (which is best anyway) to see if we liked it. We can take a leisurely walk into town in about 8 minutes; to the library in two; and a four minutes drive takes us to the closest beach where we went swimming every afternoon during June, July and August and also many days in September and October. (there are other beaches too, just a little further on) There are some great walks in the area and a short drive to others a little further away.
There are several different residential areas in Mellieha so you would need to meander around and see which suited you best.
There is a fabulous Christmas fair for a week here and in the summer during the festa there is so much going on all week and amazing fireworks displays.
We have a sea view from up on high and it is wonderful to sit on the balcony late in the summer evenings with a glass of wine and watch the world.
Many towns have regular markets each week and during the summer months just about every town has its Festa week - so you could go from town to town to watch fireworks and join in the festivities.
There are other towns that would probably suit your requirements too. The best way would be to come for a recce holiday and travel around the likely towns.
Good luck,
Sheelagh