The big, huge thing that azaleas have to have, is excellent drainage, and acid soil, and regular water. Former forest, especially pine forest, is great for them.About the azaleas, the ones I looked at were listed as hardy to -30, but in reading up on them, it seems that they don't like too much direct sun, so I probably will have to pass on them, as the area I had in mind gets full sun all day.
Too much sun can be a problem, particularly if the soil is less than ideal.
But, there's many other pretty plants, too. How about a picture of the spot? We'll be happy to make recommendations, and I'll do my best to be sure it's good for the gardener, too.