Areas between boston and littleton

[ogre]

Oops, yeah, I think you're right that the commute to Littleton from Newton Ctr. would be a bit longer than you're looking for, especially during rush hours. Overlooked that part.

[brightdoglover]

East Arlington. Period. Bus right down Mass. Ave. into Cambridge and Boston or you could even ride a bike. Route 2 is your back door. (I lived in East Arlington and commuted to Lowell for a year, and the reverse commute is a piece of cake. Going west on Rt. 2 to Littleton is a no-brainer. I actually do this drive from Belmont to Littleton at 7:30a and it's cake.
Arlington requires parking off-street from 2a-6a. This puts your car insurance rate down to almost nothing versus Cambridge or Waltham. Most complexes have underneath parking.
I don't think there are many "named" complexes, hence, no websites. I suggest a realtor instead, and East Arlington, which is where people go because they got priced out of Cambridge. Lots of one-person apartments (and lots of old ladies in 'em...). There's a great bike path to the Alewife Red Line or just around East Arlington, including the beautiful Spy Pond, behind the Capitol (Art Deco) theater and off Route 2.
There are plenty of good restaurants along Mass. Ave. from the Cambridge line to Arlington Center. I'm talking about maybe a mile of Mass. Ave, starting at the Cambridge line.
I can't think of a better place for someone who wants an urban-like life/social life and has to drive to Littleton, a reverse commute on Rt. 2. Hands down. Find a realtor in East Arlington for an apartment, and best wishes!