Got a very good airport, no water problem unlike Mysore, robust education infrastructure and generally clean environment.

Shimoga, Karwar, Hassan? What are your pick for "others"?

What do we want in the place where we'd like to live and work? Here's my list, in the order I think of them

1. Jobs, some options
2. Law and order
3. Good schools
4. Connectivity
5. Leisure/outing spots nearby
6. Power, water, roads - why last? These aren't that much better or worse to make a significant difference (based on what I have seen of Mysore and Mangalore).

Well, one personal reason for choosing Mangalore is because I hail from that place. Even otherwise, having stayed in Mysore for quite sometime and me going on and off there I feel Mangalore has a better potential for attracting companies due to its demographies.

International airport (only airport in Kar with 2 runways) with a possible 'goods airport' shortly, Port, Rail and Road - All 4 means of transport. Good number of industries coming in, hospitals, good schools and colleges (both Manipal and Mangalore combined)

Unexplored beaches, temples and other religious institutions, mid-way between Goa and Kerala (easy option for weekend outings), close to Western Ghats for trekking, cosmopolitan culture, friendly people (Eg. i've not encountered any auto fellow who overcharges. He runs on the meter without having to ask him to do so), cheap.

Mysore definitely has a good potential as well due to its proximity to Bangalore and also has a good weather. But personally I want Mangalore

High levels of literacy (comes with its own incidental benefits), technically should have no water problems (200-250 cm of rain each year), forward looking.