name-less

Best of luck to everyone, and may we all have stress-less winter holidays/breaks!

I'm currently finishing an MA in a small field in the Humanities and plan to go on to a PhD in the same field next fall. I'm feeling stuck between two programs and could use some outside advice. Program A: This is my current program and it's very easy to move on to the PhD, it only requires a formal announcement of intent of continuing on (which the faculty decides to approve or reject). I really like my department, I have good rapport with the faculty and librarian, feel valued and supported, and get along with my cohort. I know I'd have funding and teaching positions for the duration of my program. I also know that I would be allowed to do the interdisciplinary research I want with little obstacle. There is also the possibility that I could pursue a joint PhD program with another university overseas that I have contact with and my project would greatly benefit from the international collaboration. The main cons of Program A are location - which isn't terrible, but is not my favorite place to live - and institutional support - the Humanities are not loved by the administration ?‍♀️. Program B: The second program I'm considering requires a pretty elaborate application. The school is more prestigious and while this does not have so much impact within my small field (the programs are pretty equally ranked), it does impact the quality and rigor of some of the other departments I might have classes/contact with as well as name recognition, etc. The prestige also comes along with greater institutional resources and support for the Humanities. I have met some of the faculty and students from the program and have had positive interactions with them. If accepted, I would have funding and teaching opportunities (and the potential to teach more original/self-created courses than at Program A). There is some question about how closely I could stick to my proposed research plan, as Program B takes a more traditional approach to my field and is not as receptive to the interdisciplinary project I'm proposing. I would also not be able to pursue a joint PhD as institution B unilaterally does not accept these joint agreements. The main reasons I'm considering Program B are the rigor/prestige/quality of the institution and the location - I would love to live there and have a community of friends that are already located there. While I believe I would be much happier in the location of Program B, the unknowns/uncertainties in regards to my research plan and the inability to pursue a joint PhD cast some doubt on the choice. I wish name recognition didn't matter as much, but it's a reality of the job market, but is that a big enough bonus to risk leaving a program I am generally very happy with? Your feedback is appreciated :)