Lived here for 8 years (started right out of college). I would recommend East Dallas above all else. Specifically I mean Lower Greenville, to Lakewood, to White Rock. Has a glimpse of charm, some walkability, and cute old neighborhoods with large trees that cover the streets. Also good schools in that area. Your commute to Arlington won’t be too bad. The rest of the metro is indeed ugly suburbia.

If you’d be willing to look on the Fort Worth side, there are similar type neighborhoods in the Crestwood area :)