These are only two of the many, many sub-communities built around the startup scene in the Bay Area. In short, I don't have enough experience to provide useful advice, but there is probably a much stronger "support" circle in the Bay Area than outside of Atlanta for people like us. It may not be home for you, but I'm sure it'll feel like it.
... but I would still encourage you to continue asking if this is what you want to do with your life before thinking too much about how you would go about doing it.
http://www.meetup.com/Hackers-and-Founders/
I recently led a discussion at Bootstrapper's Breakfast--another great meetup--regarding balancing work and "life."
http://www.bootstrappersbreakfast.com/
These are only two of the many, many sub-communities built around the startup scene in the Bay Area. In short, I don't have enough experience to provide useful advice, but there is probably a much stronger "support" circle in the Bay Area than outside of Atlanta for people like us. It may not be home for you, but I'm sure it'll feel like it.