I found a small modded Minecraft server that has been running for about two weeks and it already has a super active little crew. Most people live close together so it feels like neighbors hanging out and building stuff side by side.

They play on the Homestead modpack so you get exploring and tinkering and building plus some combat too. The only extra mod added is Waystones so getting back home is not such a pain.

The server is meant to stay up 24 7 and the owner says it is paid for long term so it should not just vanish. There is no world border so you can wander as far as you want.

It is 18 plus only and they seem open to ideas like new mods or events or challenges if it makes the world more fun for everyone.