If you can walk you can ride
. Since you just want to see if you will like the experience I wouldn't go all out. Just see if you can find a mountain bike that fits you correctly. I would keep it as simple as possible and fore go the suspension if you can find one without. It sounds like most of the riding will be on some form of a road. The simpler it is the less there is to break and maintain. At that price point they will all be pretty similar in componets and after a year or so if you really enjoy it you'll have some experience to see how much you want to spend and what kind of extra capabilities you need it to have. Sound like a great place to live. I enjoyed my country living and think about it often
I'm sure others will chime in.