Oct. 7, 2009 (United Press International) -- California and New York City topped the list of states and cities most Americans would choose to live in, a survey released Wednesday indicates.

The Harris Interactive (NASDAQ:HPOL) Poll said California remained the most popular state for the sixth consecutive year while the Big Apple has been tops every year but one since 1997.

"This is much more than a beauty contest," Harris said in a written statement. "The most popular states and cities where large numbers of people would like to live tend to attract tourists and business."

Florida was the second most popular state followed by Hawaii, Texas and Colorado. Denver, San Francisco and San Francisco trailed New York on the list of cities.

Harris noted that while respondents preferred states with warm climates, they were not put off by the cold winters in New York and Denver.

The Harris Poll online survey involved 2,498 U.S. adults and was conducted Aug 10-18. The margin of error was not announced.