Meet him in a public place with a group of friends around. See how it goes from there. He only lives an hour away. Talking to someone on the Internet can be dangerous. They can make themselves out to be someone they're not.
Most people lie on the Internet and sometimes they can be dangerous criminals.
Be really sure about your feelings before you decide to make any moves. If you really think you love him then why don't you ask him to give you his phone number so you can start talking to him. Do not give him yours. Then if things keep going well, then proceed to meet him. Meet him in a public place with a group of friends around.