I have a small city lot and converted most of the front yard to garden because I don't like southern grass (St. Augustine); refuse to water it, especially with drought conditions; and prefer groundcovers with more intriguing foliage. You might consider setting a low growing Thyme or something like Golden Oregano? This Golden Oregano photograph is of one plant after three years. The hotter it gets the flatter it gets, but it is one tough plant.
What little grass I have in back and in the alley is now handled by a Worx cordless electric mower and a cordless electric weed eater/trimmer, both of which I share with my sister and her husband to use at their house. There are other options for larger areas where grass is the only practical application. Cost more upfront, but quiet, less polluting of the air (if you consider the effect of electric production against gasoline), and still efficient.
http://www.consumerreports.org...
http://www.meangreenproducts.c...
