Hawai'i continues its more than decadelong ride as one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S., according to the newest Harris Interactive poll querying people where they'd like to call home if they couldn't live in their current state of residence.

The Aloha State ranked as the third-best place to live behind California and Florida in the survey. Hawai'i has ranked at least third since 2001 and has been in the top 10 since the poll was initiated in 1997.

At the same time, Honolulu fell out of the top 15 cities to live after having ranked No. 7 in 2006. The poll has been conducted almost every year since its inception.

Harris Interactive noted most of the top states have either hot or warm climates, with it classifying the top four states — California, Florida, Hawai'i and Texas — as being in the Sun Belt. The market research firm noted the results are more than a beauty contest.

"The most popular states and cities where large numbers of people would like to live tend to attract tourists and businesses," Harris said in releasing its findings.

"They are places where people like to take vacations and where companies like to have their offices and factories."

A demographic breakdown provided by Harris shows older people tend to favor Hawai'i more than younger folks. Those classified as "matures," or at least 64 years old, said the state was the second-most attractive place to be. Florida was their first pick.

Baby boomers (ages 45 to 63) placed Hawai'i after California and Florida, while Gen X'ers (33 to 44) and echo boomers (18 to 32) each saw Hawai'i as the fifth-most winsome state.

More women than men ranked Hawai'i higher on their wish list.

New York again placed as the top city where people wanted to live. It has resided atop the poll since 1997. It was followed by Denver and San Francisco, which tied for second place, then San Diego and Seattle.

The survey was conducted online in August among 2,984 adults.