I prefer Argonian first, because I'm a human, so if a game gives me a chance to play a non-human, I'm always interested in it. Plus I used to use Lizardmen in Warhammer, so I've already got that affinity for eh cold blooded. After that, Redguard, for being able to make the character closest in appearance to my own.
The Dunmer are my favorite race. What draws me to them is their lore, culture, roleplay options and even their appearence and their relationship with the other races.
My second and third favorite races are, respectively, the Altmer and the Redguards. I like them for pretty much the same reasons why I like the Dunmer, with the exception of a few points and the addition of a few others. (Like the fact that the Redguards are the only worthy humans).
I am of largely Scandinavian descent which is what first drew me into using Nords. Unlike Thiago, I find that I relate to being human much more strongly and feel weird being a fantastical creature, it's just much easier to RP as something similar to myself. Plus, I just love the idea of being a badass viking.
Back in the Morrowind days they had some really robust stats and some fantastic special abilities, so that just cemented them as a favorite. Then Oblivion came along and they continued to have great combat stats plus a nice little boost to Restoration, my most used magic school. They also retained some excellent special abilities.
I have to admit that I've been a bit bothered by the relatively lackluster special ability of theirs in Skyrim and some odd shifts in skill bonuses, and their portrayal as racist, psychotic, magic-fearing jerks, but I have been playing Nords for so long that they are still my most used race. I like to play them how I have always imagined them, a race of people who are great seafarers, strong warriors, inquisitive explorers and fine craftsmen.
I prefer Humanoid races but mostly Imperial and Nord because I roleplay so realisticaly down to the hair. Although I have made a character of every race I do prefer those two. The other race that I like is Redguard because I think that is the race made of up expert sailors, and I love sailing and being on boats.
I'm of part Scandinavian descent ( Only recently discovered) so I know where you're coming from, I love Nords as well, but the only stipulation I have with them as being on console, they all look old af.
I can make a real good looking Nord, in good lighting, then when he leaves the decently lighted area, his face looks like a mangled scrotum.
I play gender based on the roleplay I wish to do, I like all the races but i have preferences for what character I'm running, unless its my first play of a game, then I'll pick my favourite,
"Ive managed to make a beautiful one once. Unfortunately Ive never been able to do it again" that made me chuckle :D
Male characters need a lot of work to be handsome, especially bretons, with their football heads.
my trick is just covering them in hair and beards and warpaint and then doing my best to shape things well. Or just be a female, they can look excellent with very little work. I think compared to some of the other races like Imperial or Dunmer both genders of Nord can look pretty young
Altmer, followed by Argonians and Redguards. I like the Altmer's culture and history, not to mention how exotic and lordly they look. The Argonians come in at #2 because I just like dinosaurs, and they're the closest thing to dinosaurs TES lets you play as. And finally, the Redguards, just because their history and culture intrigue me to no end, especially the section on Satakal in The Monomyth.
I found myself liking the Altmer because...well...I find myself acting like one. Besides that their Lore is close to the Chinese, well close enough anyways. I act regal, lord like, I actually AM Noble born in my country, but the hierarchy has died along time ago, also I tend to get butthurt sometimes. Yeap, I'm an Altmer, whether I like it or not.