Keowee is way too crowded and over priced. Chatuge is the best d**n lake around period!! In this area i mean. It has monster spots, big LM and a ton of hybrids. Lots of topwater action 6-7 months of the year, and the most consistent fishing there is as well for bass. Hayesville is a nice area. Long as you dont try to by a place on the lake, you will be fine on prices. Lake prices are just stupid on Chatuge. This will also put you within 30-40 mins of lake Burton too. That lake is LOADED with giant spots and largemouth, and is stocked heavy with trout. Cant go wrong. I bought a house at Murray, due to prices being to outrageous on Chatuge. I have fished all the lakes around here many times. Keowee is the most overfished, with Hartwell coming in a close 2nd.
Guess i should have read all your replies first. Good luck with your new place.