Metro center is a dying mall. However it's not as bad as people make it out to be. In reality there's no reason to go there with most big stores closing down. Though just the same there are great deals at the discount Dillards and others if you're willing to look.
If you go on an evening Friday or Saturday, yeah, be prepared to feel uncomfortable. If you visit during daylight hours on any weekday or weekend, it's not bad. Just don't throw around bad looks and respect anyone else, and they'll do the same. I'm a middle class to upper middle class dude and have never ran into problems just because I don't judge people. I stop by metro from time to time. It's never a bad experience, but it's never rewarding either.
So if you're willing to spend the time to look around for deals (they're everywhere because the mall is desperate) then it's not a bad option.