How to upkeep small acreage? (Landscaping, Mowing)?

My husband and I are city folk. We recently moved to an area, and are looking for rental properties. I found one I fell in love with, but it comes with "small acreage"...the hubby says he is not about to get on a riding mower every weekend after working so hard all week..is that what folks normally do? Or hire a company? Buy a goat? LOL, but seriously, any suggestions would be appreciated.