Hey Steve,
There are a few good options in case you don't fancy staying in La Linea and don't mind driving. Mind you, the longest part of your commute won't be spent driving from where you stay to the border, but in a queue crossing La Linea (of half an hour of mine, I spend 15 minutes ina steady queue from the entrance of La Linea until the parking space before the border)
If you want to stay in a real Spanish town, I'd recommend San Roque or Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro. San Roque is closer to La Linea, but Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro is farther away from the big refinery that is between San Roque and Gib, quite nasty if you ask me.
Another option would be to stay in an English style urbanization - there are plenty, with the top ones being Alcaidesa, Sotogrande and Duquesa. These are mainly new towns by the sea, with probably less choice for pubs and tapas bar but still really popular with expats.
Take your pick
Giulia