For many families, homeownership is part of The American Dream. Now, a new study ranks Arlington as one of the nation's best cities to purchase a first home. 

Personal finance website "SmartAsset" reviewed numbers from several sources including mortgage groups, real estate website "Zillow" and key federal agencies. Using those numbers, it ranked cities offering first-time buyers a strong market, available lenders and affordable homes. 

Arlington ranked third on the list of "Best Cities for First-Time Home Buyers," with a value of $111 per square foot. That ranking is up eleven spots, from 14th place last year.