That's really why I'm just now starting. I always wanted to play but never had anyone I know I to it and the LGS is hit and miss... Lot of socially awkward people ya know. But now I've got 3 close friends getting into it. Playing Tau, Tyranids and Necrons.  

 That's awesome, man.

Playing with close friends is the only way to play. You'll be telling stories of games or dice rolls years later.