Online friend

I've been playing ps3 for about a year now and about 7 months ago I met a really cool guy my age and he's from michigan and im from new jersey. over time we got really close, messaging each other during school hours, etc. Now we both have realized that gaming isnt getting us anywhere in life and it kinda needs to stop. Sadly, for me I have gotten attached since he has been such a good friend to me. I really wish that we knew each other in real life, I know we would be really good friends. Is there anyway we could continue being friends or is just a long distance friendship that will end?