Ok, In regards to commuting to Leicester (I have commuted this way for years), the way would either be M1 junction 18 if you decide to live on the East side of town (Houlton or Hillmorton) or from anywhere else you would need to go to the M6 junction 1 and then cut across to Lutterworth to J20 of the M1, there is no link from the M6 South to M1 North at J19 and you cannot go North at J17 of the M1. This means that the North or East sides of town are the best options for getting to Leicester.
So here is my run down of areas including the ones you’ve mentioned;
Hillmorton- This is always very popular because of Ashlawn school, good primary’s as well. It is therefore a very nice and more expensive area. Also very good links to the M1. The housing is older, a lot of 1930s semis. Not far from the station as well. A lot of infrastructure, amenities and greenery. The Ashlawn development is very nice here.
Houlton - This is the newest of the area of Rugby. I wasn’t sure what the area would turn into when they started building but it seems that it has turned into a rather nice area especially with the building of very large family homes in the North part. The downside in my view is the lack of infrastructure for the number of houses, there’s a gym, schools, cafe and coop and not much else this may change of course but if you want convenience in walking distance this may not be for you. They are however building a train station in Houlton which might be great for you.
Bilton - There are some nice areas and some not so nice areas of Bilton, you have to be careful what road you pick if that makes sense. Great infrastructure in the area though, there is a real village centre feel in the centre. It won’t be horrendous but this side of town would not be ideal for commuting to Leicester as it’s a good 10-15 mins to get to the North of town.
Cawston - Lovely area and nice big houses with a lot of parks, walking paths, great primary school. But it’s a fair distance to the station and to get to Leicester. There is also no supermarket nearby.
Dunchurch - This is a village just outside and by far the nicest area of Rugby, full of character etc., good primary school and not far from Sainsbury’s. However the commutes would be further from here.
Brownsover/ Coton meadows - In my view avoid Brownsover, but do look at Strawberry fields, Broughton Vale and Coton Meadows. I’m not keen on Eden park because it seems to be a very congested estate. We lived in Coton meadows for a long time and it was brilliant for getting to the motorway, but relatively new houses so that comes with lack of parking etc. Also the village of Newton near here is very nice. Being on the North side is great for the shops of Rugby because all the out of town shops are in the North.
I would personally avoid (only my opinion);
Overslade
Newbold
Long Lawford
Town centre
New Bilton
If you have any specific roads in mind or anything please ask me.
There are also some great toddler and baby groups around the town as well. Rugby is not a university town so there are less young people and more young families that have moved here for the commuter links if that makes sense.
Hope that helps