Blowing One's Own Horn

Thank you for your reply. I think what you are looking for is what is called Hard Science fiction. If I understand your first question correctly that is. Such fiction is where the science is as close to plausible as possible. Mike Combs has a selection of such fiction at his web site and I highly recommend them for plausible and possible.
However if you have another meaning about reality based science fiction, I do not have an answer for you.
As for modern day Jules Verne, keep in mind he pioneered science fiction. The people of his day didn't think any of it was reality based, although he did try for plausibility in his writing. From his day, and what they knew, it was 'hard science' fiction. If you are looking for hard science fiction in general, there are a few authors who write it. If you are asking for those who include space settlements, it gets rarer still.
It is a shame you are disappointed in your reading selections of late. I hope you find a few books that will bring you the kind of experiences you are looking for instead of the disappointments.
Best to you,
Jeff