While there's something to be said about remaining in the land of brotherly cheesesteaks, I personally like the daily survival horror aspect of avoiding vampires during the winter. Parts of Philly could qualify for this too...ditto in many large cities.
The people in rural AK are really friendly, and the town is mainly natives (Esmikos). I worked one summer on the North Slope for BP, and it's a different world (in a good way). Flat tundra, with permafrost. All buildings are raised from the ground to prevent heat trasfer into the ground (and thus sinking). Tundra is like a swamp, so it's wet (temp permitting), and is the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitos. There are herds of countless caribou running across endless tundra-a powerful sight. You're above the arctic circle-far above, so there's dramatic swings in temperature. I remember July 4th, 1992-was in the 70s...then the weather quickly changed, and it snowed.
Barrow has a decent population (5K) and is approx the 15th largest incorporated city in the state. If you can handle the cold weather outside, and the winter darkness, you will have an invaluable experience for the rest of your comfortable life back east. Keep in mind that the liberty bell rings across America, including Barrow...