I found a survival multiplayer server called Overstressed SMP and it just launched after weeks of work.
It has a custom questline with over 250 quests so there is always something to do. It also has a player run economy with shops and a currency system.
The spawn is massive and built by the staff team and it sounds like you are supposed to explore it. When you leave spawn you can pick your route like taking a bridge to town or going down into the forest.
There is a road network that connects the world and you can grab starter spurs then get a horse and start your journey.
