Living in Houston is often an adventure of sorts. I think of Houston as constantly changing, and that's part of what keeps things interesting. There is an odd rhythm to this city. It's fast-paced, but not absurdly so, and there are quite a few things that keep things exciting, if occasionally also presenting us with challenges. In short, Houston is one of those places that keep their residents on their toes. Here are a few of the ways it does that, because life here sure isn't boring!

6. You're never too far away from wildlife

Houston is called the Bayou City for a reason, and the network of waterways that this town is built around is home to all sorts of creatures that probably wouldn't make appearances as often in other cities. Yes, we're famous for tree roaches the size of sparrows, but there are all sorts of other critters making their homes in our backyards. When I lived in the Heights, the bayou winding through nearby Timbergrove Manor seemed to channel all sorts of fauna into the surrounding neighborhoods. Pretty much everyone I know in Houston has encountered possums, raccoons, skunks, and other small mammals, but I've known people who claim they've spotted coyotes near the bayous, and have seen a water moccasin the size of a fat guy's belt laying in the street in front of my house. Houston may be the fourth largest city in America, but it's also home to a lot of wildlife. Those chance encounters can occasionally be startling. It's a regular reminder that Houston is never more than a few steps away from the primal swamp on which it was built, and nature will always creep into even the swankiest neighborhoods.