C310 Pilot reported nose gear failure resulted in a safe landing.

Narrative

I was piloting Aircraft X from ZZZ that afternoon with the intention of landing at ZZZ1. After departure from ZZZ; as part of the checklist; I moved the landing gear actuator switch from the down position to the up and heard the gear motor retraction noise as usual. Then I noticed that the gear up light was not lit. I retracted flaps and focused on flying the aircraft through busy airspace until I was north of the Class Bravo shelf. I recall notifying ATC at some point that I may be having a problem with gear. I then consulted the Pilot Operating Handbook I had onboard as well as verified the gear lever was in the up position; checked circuit breakers and tested the gear up lamp. All checked good but the gear up lamp still was not showing lit. I also was able to look at the nose gear mirror that is mounted on the left engine nacelle and I observed the nose gear partially deployed. Based on all of this; I proceeded towards ZZZ1 with the intention of performing a precautionary landing; notifying ATC of my observation and intent. Upon arriving to the area northeast of ZZZ1; I extended the landing gear and observed two out of three green lights lit. I check to see if the third light - the unlit nose gear light - was loose or burned out; which it wasn't. I observed visually via the nose gear mirror that that the nose gear was still in the same partially extended position. I coordinated with ATC to maneuver some more in order to run checklists and then to prepare for the precautionary landing. Based on the location of ZZZ1 airport; runway length and no RSA; I decided to proceed to ZZZ2. On my way to ZZZ2; I became aware via Approach that ZZZ3 and Victorville had emergency services available on the field while ZZZ4 did not. I then amended my destination plan to ZZZ3 where I proceeded to burn off some unneeded Avgas. After some maneuvering attempt to pitch and roll the aircraft in order to attempt to get the nose gear to lock over center and stay - attempts that were unsuccessful; I proceeded to ZZZ3.I did a low altitude flyby of the tower for a gear check. Tower said that they saw the two main gear appear to be fully extended and the nose gear was partially extended. I proceeded to perform a precautionary landing on Runway XX; following the aircraft's POH including the checklist for landing with a defective nose gear - gear switch down; 105 MPH approach; flaps 20; all electrical off; landing in slightly tail low attitude; placing mixture controls into idle cut off and trying to keep the nose up as long as possible. As the aircraft slowed down; the nose started to pitch down and then came to rest on the runway. I slid to a stop; place the fuel selectors in the off position and exited the aircraft. Being a participant in the program as well as my own activities around emergency procedures training helped me be prepared for that day. I appreciate the excellent support provided by ATC and the staff at ZZZ5 airport. Personnel in the vicinity of the airport were able to lift the nose of the aircraft with a forklift like telehandler. The nose gear was free swinging. The nose gear was then pulled forward by hand into the down and over center position where then we manually locked the nose gear into place to keep it from unlocking. The staff was able to coordinate the movement of the aircraft off the runway and into a parking spot. This aircraft was serviced as part of annual inspection last October and included the Cessna prescribed landing gear rigging. I felt very comfortable that the landing gear was up to spec and have had no issues with it the whole time. But I don't think that mechanical failures can be effectively and completely removed from aviation and for me in this case; training for emergencies; staying calm; not rushing and following checklists helped keep me safe.