Does a Cheese Steak really have to come from Philadelphia?

I have never been to Philadelphia, so therefore I have never had a Philadelphia cheese steak. What is it about the sandwiches coming form the city that make them a notch above what I have ordered many times before at local places. Its thinly sliced steak, cheese, onions, and some places pepper all sandwiched in a nice firm roll that has a little crunch on it. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, so what sets apart the Philly version of this sandwich? Is it the history? or maybe the people in the city that are making them? Im not entirely sure but i know this the marketing and regionalization of the sandwich have been something on my mind for quite awhile. For the time being, I will continue to order the famed sandwich at local spots and will be loving every bite as I always have. Maybe sometime soon though I will be fortunate enough to venture to Philadelphia and see what gives this city a knock above on these sandwiches.