We've tried both clover and thyme, but we can't get them to really take off. But I think we just weren't doing enough at a time and wildlife was eating it all. Our current course of action has been killing sections of grass with a tarp, then planting the clover and our first patch is doing well.

An actual ecosystem would keep the tick population down though, but also if you don't have deer regularly roaming through your front yard you should be fine too

Yea a lot of people are clueless to how much of an effect lawns have on keeping pests away from the house. Mice love living in tall grass while using your house as a buffet and bathroom.

It might help to make it look more intentional, such as a bordered flowerbed with native plants in it that just happens to be the size of most of your front lawn.

That's funny because that's exactly how lawns were created - to showcase that lords were wealthy enough to waste land rather than use it for food production. it's essentially the 'smash a bottle of expensive champagne challenge' of the feudal period.